Using an SSH tunnel to browse the Internet on Windows

Setting up an SSH tunnel on Windows allows you to securely route your internet traffic through a remote server. This can be useful for bypassing network restrictions or enhancing security. Let’s walk through the steps using two popular tools: Bitvise SSH Client and PuTTY.

1. Bitvise SSH Client:

1. Download and Install Bitvise SSH Client:

   • You can download it from here.
   • Follow the installation instructions.

2. Configure the Connection:

   • Launch Bitvise SSH Client.
   • In the Login tab, under the Server section:
     • Enter the FQDN host or SSH service IP address of your remote server.
     • Specify the SSH port (usually 22).
   • In the Authentication section:
     • Enter your remote server SSH username.
     • Choose the appropriate initial method for logging in (e.g., password or key-based authentication).

3. Create the SSH Tunnel:

   • Once connected, go to the Services tab.
   • Click Add and select Dynamic (SOCKS).
   • Set the local port (e.g., 8080).

4. Configure Your Browser:

   • Open your browser’s proxy settings.
   • Set up a SOCKS proxy with host 127.0.0.1 and port 8080.

5. Browse Securely:

   • All your browser traffic will now be routed through the SSH tunnel to your remote server.

2. PuTTY:

1. Download and Install PuTTY:

   • You can download PuTTY here.
   • Install it on your Windows machine.

2. Configure the Connection:

   • Launch PuTTY.
   • Enter your server IP address in the Host name (or IP address) field.
   • Under the Connection menu, expand SSH and select Tunnels.
   • Enter a source port (e.g., 9090) and check the Dynamic radio button.

3. Create the SSH Tunnel:

   • Click Add to add the tunnel configuration.
   • Click Open to establish the SSH connection.

4. Configure Your Browser:

   • In your browser settings, set up a SOCKS proxy with host 127.0.0.1 and port 9090.

5. Enjoy Private Browsing:

   • Your internet traffic will now flow securely through the SSH tunnel.

Remember to replace the placeholders (such as server IP, port numbers, and usernames) with your actual server details