What Is An Open Proxy
Open proxy – Wikipedia
An open proxy is a type of proxy server that is accessible by any Internet user.
Generally, a proxy server only allows users within a network group (i. e. a closed proxy) to store and forward Internet services such as DNS or web pages to reduce and control the bandwidth used by the group. With an open proxy, however, any user on the Internet is able to use this forwarding service.
An open proxy forwarding requests from and to anywhere on the Internet.
Advantages[edit]
An anonymous open proxy is useful to those looking for online anonymity and privacy, as it can help users hide their IP address from web servers since the server requests appear to originate from the proxy server. It makes it harder to reveal their identity and thereby helps preserve their perceived security while browsing the web or using other internet services. Real anonymity and extensive internet security might not be achieved by this measure alone as website operators can use client-side scripts to determine the browser’s real IP address and the open proxy may be keeping logs of all connections.
Most public VPNs work through open proxies.
Disadvantages[edit]
It is possible for a computer to run as an open proxy server without the computer’s owner knowing it. This can result from misconfiguration of proxy software running on the computer, or from infection with malware (viruses, trojans or worms) designed for this purpose. [1] If it is caused by malware, the infected computer is known as a zombie computer.
Testing for access from an open proxy[edit]
Because open proxies are often implicated in abuse, a number of methods have been developed to detect them and to refuse service to them. IRC networks with strict usage policies automatically test client systems for known types of open proxies. [2] Likewise, a mail server may be configured to automatically test mail senders for open proxies, using software such as proxycheck. [3]
Groups of IRC and electronic mail operators run DNSBLs publishing lists of the IP addresses of known open proxies, such as AHBL, CBL, NJABL (till 2013), and SORBS (since 2002).
See also[edit]
Anonymizing proxy
Open mail relay
References[edit]
^ “Accidental spamming, zombies and spoofing”. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Archived from the original on 2015-12-25. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
^ “Blitzed Open Proxy Monitor”. 2011-08-21. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
^ “proxycheck: Open Proxy checker”. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
External links[edit]
Open proxies at Curlie
Open Proxy??? – Firewall Software and Hardware – Bleeping Computer
#1
jtphenom
Members
253 posts
OFFLINE
Local time:05:30 PM
Posted 21 April 2021 – 10:09 AM
Hi Friends!
Apologies in advance if there is a better forum for this.
I just tried to sign up for an Instagram account from my computer, and when I went to verify the code they sent me, I got this:
The IP address you are using has been flagged as an open proxy. If you believe this to be incorrect, please visit
So my two questions are:
1. Does anyone know how to resolve this?
and
2. How can I determine if my computer is being used as an open proxy?
Back to top
BC AdBot (Login to Remove)
Register to remove ads
#2
0lds0d
865 posts
Gender:Male
Location:Canada
Posted 21 April 2021 – 02:34 PM
Open Internet Options (in Command or the Run type in “” without the quotes).
Open “Connections” tab. Open the “LAN settings” button. Under the “Proxy server” should be an unfilled field, IF not then you are using a proxy connection.
If there is a proxy connection, open the “Advanced” button and uncheck the unwanted connection. Then uncheck the previous field.
IF there is a proxy connection established, it maybe possible you have some sort of malware that altered your Windows’s setting. I strongly suggest you try to remove the malware or get help with this issue. Go here for the preparation work to get malware removed and follow the instructions from here: Then after following the guide, then post in here:
Hope this helps.
Edited by 0lds0d, 21 April 2021 – 02:36 PM.
#3
Posted 21 April 2021 – 02:38 PM
Oh forgot something browsers have builtin proxy connections such as Opera browser for example.
This could also show you are using a proxy server.
#4
Topic Starter
Posted 21 April 2021 – 02:40 PM
Thank you, 0lds0d. That field is empty.
Nope just using Firefox.
#5
Posted 21 April 2021 – 03:10 PM
OK check your public IP on this site (it should match the IP given to you from your ISP): If not then there is a proxy involved.
#6
Posted 21 April 2021 – 03:12 PM
Oh check the Firefox browser to see if it has a proxy connection within itself, it can be there and it is not associated with the system connections.
#7
Stephanie_Sy
12 posts
Local time:05:30 AM
Posted 21 June 2021 – 06:41 PM
Check your computer for malware, particularly Electricfish. It involves a 32-bit executable file implements a custom protocol that allows traffic to be funneled between a source and a destination IP address. Because the malware continuously attempts to reach to the source and the designation system, it is able to establish a funneling session. Electricfish malware is very stealthy because it can be configured with a proxy server or proxy username and password, a feature that allows it to connect to a system sitting inside of a proxy server. This gives cybercriminals the ability to bypass authentication to reach outside the network. In other words, using Electricfish, the Lazarus group is able to take over computers without their users knowing that they are compromised. What’s more, Electricfish constantly reinstalls itself even when it is removed. [/size][/size]
Edited by Chris Cosgrove, 30 June 2021 – 03:46 AM.
Font modified to be more readable and duuplicate post deleted.
Back to top
Proxy Abuse – What Is My IP Address
An open proxy is a proxy server that will accept client connections from any IP address and make connections to any Internet resource. Abuse of open proxies is currently implicated in a significant portion of e-mail spam delivery. Spammers frequently install open proxies on unwitting end-users’ Microsoft Windows computers by means of computer viruses designed for this purpose. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) abusers also frequently use open proxies to cloak their identities.
Because proxies could be implicated in abuse, system administrators have developed a number of ways to refuse service to open proxies. IRC networks such as the Blitzed network automatically test client systems for known types of open proxy. Likewise, an email server may be configured to automatically test e-mail senders for open proxies, using software such as Michael Tokarev’s proxy check.
Groups of IRC and electronic mail operators run DNSBLs publishing lists of the IP addresses of known open proxies, such as Blitzed OPM and CBL.
The ethics of automatically testing clients for open proxies are controversial. Some experts, such as Vernon Schryver, consider such testing to be equivalent to an attacker portscanning the client host. Others consider the client to have solicited the scan by connecting to a server whose terms of service include testing.
Related Articles
What is a Proxy Server?
Anonymous Proxy Risks
How to use a Proxy Server
Frequently Asked Questions about what is an open proxy
How do I fix an open proxy?
Open “Connections” tab. Open the “LAN settings” button. Under the “Proxy server” should be an unfilled field, IF not then you are using a proxy connection. If there is a proxy connection, open the “Advanced” button and uncheck the unwanted connection.Apr 21, 2021
What does it mean if my IP address is an open proxy?
An open proxy is a proxy server that will accept client connections from any IP address and make connections to any Internet resource. … Groups of IRC and electronic mail operators run DNSBLs publishing lists of the IP addresses of known open proxies, such as Blitzed OPM and CBL.
What is an open proxy Instagram?
What Does Instagram Open Proxy Mean? It means that your IP address is blacklisted for being associated with too many inappropriate and abusive accounts.May 21, 2021
