Hello! Maintaining privacy when surfing the Internet is a significant factor. To achieve this, we can make use of different services and applications. For example, VPN, a proxy, the Tor browser, etc. Consequently, in this post we are going to focus on Obfsproxy. In addition, we will learn how to use it to encrypt the connection and prevent our data from being leaked. Let’s talk about what it actually does and under what circumstances it can be useful.
What is Obfsproxy
When talking about Obfsproxy we refer to a subproject that belongs to Tor. It is used to hide web traffic when surfing the Internet. Basically, it is similar to surfing through a VPN or the Tor browser. In fact, the purpose is the same: to hide the IP address and encrypt the information we transfer when browsing. So, what is its raison d’être? The reason is that there are certain countries that use what is known as IPR. These tools are used to block VPN connections so that users cannot bypass geo-blocking, for example. There are even governments that can force operators to filter SSL traffic.
The Obfsproxy project is used to bypass these blockages. In this way we can surf the Internet without information being leaked. Certainly, it was created for Tor. However, it has features that can be exploited by developers to design, implement and test traffic hiding layers that have nothing to do with Tor. In this way, it also began to be used to hide traffic through OpenVPN.
Therefore, Obfsproxy is a project devised from Tor to improve users’ privacy. In other words, it is a way to avoid possible blocks that may exist for the use of a normal VPN or the Onion browser itself. Let’s remember that both are very popular options for accessing the network. On the other hand, it was created mainly for use in countries such as China or Venezuela, where there may be problems to browse freely.
What it is used for and how it works
By now, you are probably wondering what Obfsproxy is really for. Actually, the answer is clear. The purpose of this tool is to make browsing more private. It serves to prevent a government of a certain country from classifying Internet traffic by protocols. In fact, they know exactly what they are: (HTTPS, HTTP, SSL, VPN…). In this way, it could block the protocol it is interested in and cause users to have problems.
If, for example, a user uses OpenVPN, Obfsproxy will hide the traffic to make it look like normal and harmless HTTP traffic. This way, you will avoid blockages and problems to enter a certain web page or use an online service.
An interesting point of Obfsproxy compared to other encryption options is that its developers have managed to leave no trace. The linking protocol it uses has no recognizable patterns. This allows communication to be established without network monitors being able to detect anything strange. Obfsproxy can be used in both OpenVPN and Wireguard. To use it, it is necessary to have a working OpenVPN server. It can be one of our own or of a third party.
Is it enough to maintain privacy?
We have seen how tools such as VPN or proxy help to maintain privacy. However, this is often not enough. It is essential to take certain measures, beyond using Tor or the Obfsproxy project. For this reason, we are going to give you some tips to surf the Internet without problems and without compromising your personal data.
Always use security software
To surf the Internet safely and without privacy problems, it is essential to have a good antivirus and other programs that protect us. For example, Windows Defender is one of the most widely used. You can also try others such as Bitdefender or Avast.
However, there are tools such as a firewall that can block insecure connections. There are also browser add-ons that help improve privacy. Consequently, it avoids attacks that can compromise our personal data and affect us at any given moment.
Avoid exposing data
In this case, it is a common-sense advice. To maintain privacy on the network, it is necessary to avoid making our personal data public. For example, you should not make your e-mail address public when you post a comment on a web page or in an open forum.
It is also advisable to take care of the data we expose through social networks. On this type of platform, there may be bots that collect personal information from users to subsequently trade with it and make a profit. Therefore, it is advisable to control what information we will be exposing publicly on the network and thus improve privacy.
Install applications only from reliable sources
Another tip is to install software only from safe and official sources. For example, websites of the application itself, official stores and warranty platforms. This way we will avoid installing software that can be dangerous and steal our personal data.
It is true that sometimes we can find unofficial applications that may have interesting features. However, we do not really know who may be behind that software. Perhaps it has been created maliciously with the sole purpose of stealing personal information.
Try not to make mistakes
Finally, another recommendation is to avoid making mistakes that could expose our personal data. For example, do not open an attachment that arrives by e-mail without really knowing where it comes from. We do not know if it could be a security threat.
Most cyber-attacks, threats that put privacy at risk, will require the victim’s interaction. They will need us to make a mistake, such as opening a file or installing a program. This also includes exposing our data in some way and thus stealing information.
In short, protecting privacy when surfing the Internet is essential. We can make use of tools such as a VPN, proxy or the Tor browser. In addition, to avoid possible blocking in certain countries, the Obfsproxy project has appeared. As we have seen, this is a great way to enhance our privacy when surfing the Internet. Bye!
