Recently I’m getting pretty paranoid about connecting to public networks, it’s just a matter of seconds that someone could sniff all of your unsecure traffic, steal your passowords and data. Fortunately many web services are turning to secure http, but still the main part of the web isn’t. One good solution to surf safely is using a VPNs, but what if you did not want to pay for that service?
The solution I opted for is to create an SSH tunnel to another pc, it could be your own server or your webhost. In this way all the traffic goes through a secure connection to the other computer and then it uses its internet connection, thus the only downside could be a speed decrease.

To create the SSH tunnel I used putty, an SSH client for windows. Here are the steps:

1. download and launch putty
2. in Host Name insert your webhost IP or domain name (or your home’s static IP) address 
3. if you want to save the settings
4. clicl on the left tab connections > SSH > tunnels
5. in Source port put 1080 (for instance) and select Dynamic, then click Add 
6. go back to the main tab (click Session on the left), write a name in Saved Sessions and click Save
7. double click on the session name to run it, and insert name and password

Now if we want to tunnel our connections with Chrome, let’s use the cool Proxy Switchy! extenson:

1. install Proxy Switchy!
2. add a new profile with SOCKS Host: 127.0.0.1 and Port: 1080 

If you want to tunnel your chrome navigation now just switch profile from the extension’s button!

Happy safe surfing!