How to See Censored Web Pages

Surfing online when you’re at work behind a restrictive firewall or in a country that censors Web sites can prevent you from seeing certain Web pages. Here are some ways to circumvent blocked Web sites. However, read the warnings at the end of the article before applying any of these methods.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Know your adversary. Gather information on the type of software that is blocking access to the Web page. Learn about this firewall software on a computer that is not on a restricted network. Search for blogs and tech forums for methods to overcome the obstacle.

2. Search for "backdoors"--that is, weaknesses in the blocking software. Hackers (who often work for the good side) delight in the challenge of climbing over restrictive Web firewalls. What’s more, they share their successes online. It may take some digging but the information is out there waiting to be found.

3. Look for programs and proxies that can bypass the restrictions. Be prepared for more failures than success with this approach. Programs like NeoTunnel and Circumventor have short shelf lives due to proactive system administrators who will take steps to neutralize these programs.

4. Gather programs that will encrypt URLs so that the firewall does not recognize them as restricted. You can use these programs and scripts to gain access to unauthorized Web sites.

Tips & Warnings

• The use and installation of any unauthorized programs and methods to circumvent a firewall are likely to get you fired for violating the policies of the worksite. Your sense of adventure and desire to get forbidden information may well cost you your livelihood.
• Downloading and installing programs designed to gain unauthorized access is potentially perilous. Programs found on hacker sites may contain malware and viruses that can infect entire networks and make you liable for litigation.