Makeshift VPN

Have you ever had the need for a secure connection on the go? You don't have expensive VPN equipment at home? No worries. This will show you how to create and maintain a secure connection from anywhere!

Requirements

You must have setup an SSH server. This can be either within your router (i.e. DD-WRT) or on a powered-on computer at home (i.e. openssh or freeSSHd). If you are using the latter solution, make sure you have port 22 forwarded via your router. Also, make sure the SSH server is set to allow "tunneling" (should be on by default).

Your "secure connection"

The secure connection will be through your SSH connection, utilizing a feature called tunneling. In essence, you will be routing all your communications via the secure SSH tunnel.

Download the putty SSH client, and initialize the connection. In your settings under Connection -> SSH -> Tunnels, add the port 8118 with the Dynamic setting. Once you login, the tunnel should be created.

Finally, route all your internet applications through this tunnel. Configure your applications to use the SOCKS proxy setting with the host as "localhost" and port as 8118. Most internet applications should be able to use a SOCKS proxy. Programs like Privoxy will assist in programs which do not include a SOCKS option.