Dangers of Proxy Use

Open proxy servers are proxy servers which do not require a user to log on and verify their identity in any way. Because of this fact, there are many dangers associated with using open proxy servers. Many Internet services and companies have begun checking your connection to make sure you're not connecting using an open proxy. This process is called probing, in which the companies' server checks to see if your connection has any of the common proxy ports open. If it finds that these ports are open, the service checks to make sure it is a closed proxy by attempting to connect to it. If a connection is made, the service checks to see if the proxy requires a password. If the proxy does not require a password, the service will usually raise a red flag and deny you from using or purchasing items and services.

Companies do this because behind an open proxy, there is no way of knowing you're who you claim to be. Many hackers use open proxy services to commit credit card fraud and attack online users. Another danger of open proxies is the fact that the server the proxy is located on knows where you've gone using the proxy. They can also access any information you give out over a proxy, including user names and passwords, credit card numbers, your name, address, phone number, just about any information you provide while behind an open proxy can be accessed if the proxy isn't secured. You may think by using a proxy you've made yourself secure, but you've really just opened yourself to attacks. Because of the way an open proxy works, when you use one, you're directly connecting your computer to another computer. Because you don't know who is in control of the computer you've connected yourself to, your passwords can be sniffed out and your firewall can be tunneled, revealing your real IP address. Any sites which you thought you browsed anonymously can be accessed by the person in control of this computer, including your email, or any IM messages you may have sent while connected to the proxy.