Tinyproxy on Azure

[jaylong255]

Your plan to use a cloud-based VM with a proxy server to provide an intermediary IP address instead of your actual WAN IP is indeed a good approach for maintaining privacy and security. Here's a breakdown of what you're considering and some additional points to consider:

Pros of Your Plan:

• Privacy: You keep your real IP address hidden, which can prevent direct access to your network.
• Security: By using a proxy, you add a layer of security. If there's any malicious intent, it would target the VM first, not your home or office network.
• Control: You control the connection, can monitor traffic, and can cut off access if needed without exposing your main network.

What You Might Be Missing:

1. Security of the VM:

   • Ensure the VM itself is secure. This includes keeping it updated, using strong authentication methods, and possibly implementing additional security measures like firewalls or intrusion detection systems.

2. Proxy Configuration:

   • Configure the proxy correctly to only allow specific types of traffic you're comfortable with. You might want to limit what protocols or services can pass through.

3. Data Encryption:

   • Consider encrypting data between your actual network and the proxy. VPNs or SSH tunnels could be used for this purpose.

4. Logging and Monitoring:

   • Set up logging on the proxy server to monitor what your client is doing with the connection. This can help in identifying any suspicious activities.

5. Cost and Performance:

   • Depending on the cloud service, there might be costs associated with running this VM. Also, consider the performance impact of routing traffic through a proxy.

6. Legal and Compliance Issues:

   • Be aware of any legal implications regarding data routing through different jurisdictions, especially if sensitive data is involved.

7. Backup Plan:

   • Have a plan for what to do if the VM or proxy server goes down. Can you quickly provision another if needed?

8. Exit Strategy:

   • Think about how you'll transition away from this setup if the relationship with the client becomes more trustworthy or if you decide to end the relationship.

9. Transparency with Client:

   • Depending on your relationship, you might want to inform the client that you're using a proxy for security reasons without revealing specifics about your setup.

10. Scalability:

    • If this setup works well, consider how you might scale it if you need to do something similar for other clients or projects.

Implementation Tips:

• Use a Reliable Cloud Provider: Choose a provider known for security and reliability.
• Automate Security Updates: Ensure your VM's OS and software are automatically updated.
• Use a VPN for Added Security: If possible, route your traffic through a VPN before hitting the proxy for an extra layer of security.

By considering these aspects, you can enhance the security and functionality of your setup, ensuring both your privacy and the operational needs are met. If you're not familiar with setting up such systems, you might also consider consulting with an IT security professional to ensure everything is configured correctly.