Secure Gaim Instant Messenger with SecureCRT & SSH - A Work Guide
Securing Instant Messaging Traffic with an SSH Tunnel
It is widely understood that instant messaging activity conducted through a workplace network can be readily monitored and recorded. If you possess access to an SSH server – in my case, it's hosted at my residence – a SOCKS proxy can be established to route all your internet traffic through this home server.
This method effectively conceals your instant messaging from employer network surveillance. This guide presumes existing familiarity with SSH server access and connection procedures.
Setting Up the SSH Tunnel
Begin by navigating to the Options, then Session Options menu within your SSH client. Locate and activate the SSH forwarding feature. Click the "Add" button to configure a new connection.
You are able to assign any descriptive name to this connection, and the port number is also customizable. However, it is crucial to enable the "Dynamic forwarding using SOCKS 4 or 5" checkbox.
Configuring Your Instant Messaging Client
Next, access the Preferences dialog within your instant messaging application (such as Gaim). Select SOCKS 5 (or SOCKS 4) as the proxy type.
Finalizing the Connection
Enter "localhost" in the host field and "7070" in the port field – or the port number you previously specified. Restart your SecureCRT session, and subsequently restart your instant messaging client.
You should now be connected through the secure SSH tunnel. To verify the functionality of the tunnel, disconnect your SecureCRT session. Your instant messaging client should then display a disconnection message, confirming that traffic is being routed through the tunnel.
This setup ensures that your instant messaging communications remain private while utilizing a work network.