How do I prevent Firefox from leaking my IP when I use the proxy settings?
So basically I use the manual proxy settings on Firefox from time to time to be more anonymous. Normally these proxies are pretty slow (but hey, that's the price you to pay for anonymity). Sometimes I'll see a sudden jump in speed. I suspected the proxy may not be working for whatever reason. So I've been using a website that tells you what your IP address is to see if the proxy settings are really working. Sure enough when I refresh the site it gives me my real IP. I check the proxy settings and it turns out the browser had reverted to using system proxy settings (for some reason that's the default instead of no proxy). This happens randomly and for no apparently reason when I'm using manual proxy settings and it leaks my IP whenever this happens (and I never know when it does unless I'm paying close attention). Is there a way to keep it from reverting back to system proxy settings for no reason? BTW I've tested the proxy in question after this happens and it still works so that rules out the possibility of the proxy not working (even if that was the case I'd rather it not connect at all than leak my IP). So yeah, any help in getting it to stop doing this would be nice.
Chosen solution
Hi internetman, in your More System Details it shows as Enabled. It may or may not be doing anything, but try disabling it in case that makes any difference.
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There is more than one proxy type.
Only an anonymous proxy will hide the IP and build two connections, one between you and the proxy and a second connection between the proxy and the website that uses an IP from that proxy.
A normal proxy merely passes all traffic without affecting it, so websites see your IP in such a case.
I believe "Use system proxy settings" uses the LAN settings in Internet Options, which you can set using either:
- Windows Control Panel > Internet Options
- Internet Explorer > Tools menu > Internet Options
That may help if Firefox is for some unknown reason losing track of your settings, but it sounds as though you know right away anyway...
What protection does the Hotspot Shield extension provide? I wonder whether it might be playing some role in this issue.
Hotspot shield is off. I don't use it. A friend of mine told me it would help keep me secure. I'm actually considering uninstalling it because it keeps badgering me to turn it on. But I don't know if it would affect anything with it off.
Chosen Solution
Hi internetman, in your More System Details it shows as Enabled. It may or may not be doing anything, but try disabling it in case that makes any difference.
look for "privoxy" and "tor browser" they set up to tunnel traffic through chain of proxies. you may copy their configs and make your settings based on them.
@jscher2000 Thanks for the advice but how would I go about disabling it? I'm not really good with this stuff as my friend just taught me how to use the proxy settings not too long ago.
@ololo123 I shall look into that as well. Thanks for the suggestion.
use linux and install "tor privoxy" .problem solved.
Hi internetman, you can disable Hotspot Shield on the Add-ons page. Either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Extensions.
Looks like the extension was the problem. I haven't had the issue since I disabled it. Thanks for all the help guys.