Privacy is no longer optional. It's a necessity. Whether you're safeguarding sensitive data or bypassing restrictions, a SOCKS5 proxy server on Linux is a game-changer. It’s not just about hiding your IP address—it’s about taking back control over your internet connection. Here’s a quick, actionable guide to setting up your Linux SOCKS proxy server, so you can surf the web securely and anonymously.

Why Opt for a SOCKS5 Proxy Server

Think of a SOCKS5 proxy as your personal tunnel through the internet. It routes your data through a remote server, hiding your real IP address while offering top-tier security. SOCKS5 supports both TCP and UDP traffic, making it versatile enough for anything from browsing to streaming. With this setup, you'll not only shield your identity but also access geo-restricted content without breaking a sweat.

Pre-Requisites: What You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have:
A Linux server (Ubuntu, CentOS, or any other distribution works).
Root or sudo access for installing software and configuring settings.
A basic grasp of command-line operations (don't worry, this guide is here to help.).
Step 1: Installing the Needed Software
To get your SOCKS5 proxy server running, we’ll use Dante, an efficient, open-source solution. First, check for system updates by running the following command to update your packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade  

Next, install Dante with the following command:

sudo apt install dante-server  

The software is now installed—it's time to configure it.
Step 2: Customizing Your SOCKS5 Proxy Server
Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter—configuring Dante to act as your SOCKS5 proxy server.
Access the configuration file
Dante’s configuration file is located at /etc/danted.conf. Open it with your favorite text editor:

sudo nano /etc/danted.conf

Enter the following configuration
Insert this configuration into the file:

logoutput: /var/log/danted.log
internal: eth0 port = 1080
external: eth0
method: username none
user.privileged: root
user.unprivileged: nobody
client pass {
 from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
 log: connect disconnect
}
socks pass {
 from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
 log: connect disconnect
}

Understand what these settings mean
logoutput: Defines where Dante will log proxy activity.
internal: The network interface and port number for the proxy (default port 1080 for SOCKS5).
external: Tells Dante which network interface to use for internet access.
method: "None" means no authentication is required.
user.privileged & user.unprivileged: These control the user privileges for running the server.
Once you’ve pasted in the configuration, save and close the file (press Ctrl + X, then Y, and hit Enter).
Step 3: Enabling the SOCKS5 Proxy Server
It’s time to fire up your SOCKS5 proxy server. First, run the following command to start the Dante service:

sudo systemctl start danted  

Next, set Dante to automatically start on boot by running:

sudo systemctl enable danted  

Finally, ensure everything’s running smoothly by checking the service status with:

sudo systemctl status danted  

Step 4: Checking SOCKS5 Proxy Status
Let's check if your SOCKS5 proxy is working. First, if you don’t already have curl installed, install it with the following command:

sudo apt install curl  

Next, test your SOCKS5 proxy by running this command:

curl --socks5 localhost:1080 http://example.com  

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the HTML content of example.com. If not, double-check your configuration to ensure everything is in order.
Step 5: Setting Up the Firewall
If your Linux server uses a firewall, you’ll need to allow traffic on the SOCKS5 proxy port (1080). If you're using UFW, run the following command to open port 1080:

sudo ufw allow 1080/tcp  

Then, apply the changes by reloading the firewall with:

sudo ufw reload  

Conclusion

You’ve successfully configured a SOCKS5 proxy server on Linux. This setup allows you to browse securely, protect your data, and bypass geo-restrictions with ease.
To enhance your security further, consider adding features like user authentication or detailed logging to your setup. You have the tools to create a customized, secure browsing experience.
Enjoy your new, safer internet connection.