Encrypted Browsing in Windows using OpenSSH
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Are you looking for some way to achieve a more secure browsing experience on your Windows PC? You might want to give OpenSSH a try. This open source technology may not be as secure as HTTPS encryption, but it is better than transmitting your information "in the clear."
This is the first application of having an OpenSSH server in Windows XP Home computer. A detailed tutorial on how to install SSH server in Windows is available here: "Installing SSH Server in Windows XP Home."
OpenSSH is an open source technology that can encrypt transmission and reception of data using different and strong encryption algorithms. By default, network communications in Windows computers are not encrypted; this means there is some risk of the data being compromised as it travels in the network.
One of the most popular forms of network communication is browsing. Browsing itself is a way of communicating between the client ("You" using your personal computer running in Windows) and the server (the host of the website files which you will be downloading).
The communication is governed by HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) which sends all data in "clear text form." Data in clear text form can be intercepted using proper eavesdropping equipment, thus compromising the security of your transmission.
Another form of protocol which is common is HTTPS (secure HTTP). This will encrypt the transmission and reception of data , but not everyone can afford HTTPS connections. HTTPS can be issued by a certification body, and it is a hassle for an average Windows user to have this protocol installed in the computer.
Use of this protocol is really only applicable for shopping websites that ask for credit card numbers from their customers. These websites have "HTTPS" certificates installed in their server that enable them to encrypt the transmission.
This tutorial deals with the implementation of OpenSSH (secure shell) server to encrypt the browsing experience in Windows XP. This is not HTTPS encryption, but rather transmission of encrypted data over the HTTP network.
Next: Basic Requirements and Starting SSH >>
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