What Is an Anonymous Proxy Server?

You can be anonymous on the Internet by using a proxy server.

A proxy server acts on behalf of another computer. An anonymous proxy server is also called a Web proxy or an HTTP proxy server. Most applications of proxy servers operate in corporate environments. Anonymous proxy servers are geared toward the general public.

HTTP

The World Wide Web carries Web pages across the Internet. The defining distinction between World Wide Web and the Internet is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which carries Web traffic. When you type an address in a Web browser, that browser sends a request to the Web server in the address and asks for the page in the request. The opening part of communication contains HTTP headers. These report on various aspects of the request sender's computer. Above all, the request has to include the IP address to which the response should be delivered. This makes the requester traceable. Without receiving the address of the requester, the server can't possibly respond.

Anonymity

The only way the client (requester) can avoid giving out its IP address is by using an intermediary to present the request on its behalf. The server receives the intermediary's location and details. The intermediary is an anonymous proxy server, or anonymizer.

Protection

The anonymous proxy server brings the client other benefits. Some Web pages need to download small programs onto the client's computer to add on functionality to the page. However, this method can be an entry point for malicious software that may damage the computer, or, at least, secretly report back to it's controller all the activity taking place on the computer. The anonymous proxy server passes back the Web page retrieved from the target Web server, but doesn't pass on any cookies or applets. The client and server are never in direct connection. The proxy delivers the request on a new connection, becoming the client. It uses the information in the response to display the required Web page for the client, thus acting as server.

Implementation

All Internet-accessing applications allow Web proxies to be set up in their configuration. Once the anonymous proxy server's IP address and port number have been entered into the application's settings, all traffic from that application will be routed through the named proxy (unless exceptions have been recorded). Another method for access an anonymous proxy server operates on a per-call basis. You go to the Web proxy's website, where you'll find an address field. The proxy server will contact the server of the Web page in the given address. Both services are available either free of charge, or for a subscription fee.

References

• TopBits.com: Anonymous Proxy
• Living Internet: How Anonymizers Work
• SearchSecurity: Anonymous Web Surfing (Web Anonymizer, SafeWeb)