Can we obfuscate the IP address of a domain name using Letsencrypt in ISPmanager? Previously, we leveraged a proxy-based approach via the registrar, effectively masking our IP from prying eyes. The registrar's control panel had a convenient 'PROXY' toggle for this purpose.
However, with our recent registrar migration, we need to explore alternative solutions, as this feature is no longer supported. How can we achieve IP anonymity in ISPmanager?
Set up a reverse proxy using Nginx on your server. This involves configuring Nginx to act as a middleman between the client and your web server. Let's Encrypt will issue certificates for the domain pointed at the Nginx server's IP, masking your origin server's IP. Here's a basic config:
server {
listen 80;
server_name your_domain.com;
location / {
proxy_pass http://your_origin_server_ip;
}
}
SSL certificate is inconsequential to the process of establishing a connection via a proxy server, as its primary function is to facilitate secure data transmission between the client and server. In a similar vein, the domain registrar, who is responsible for managing the lifecycle of a domain name, also plays no direct role in this specific scenario.
In other words, the certificate's purpose is to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the data being transmitted, whereas the proxy server is merely an intermediary that facilitates communication between the client and the target server, thereby masking the client's IP address and enhancing anonymity.
When leveraging a reverse proxy setup, opting for either Cloudflare's (CF) free or pro plan results in the substitution of your existing SSL/TLS certificate with their own proprietary certificate. Consequently, the type of certificate currently deployed on your website - whether it's a free Let's Encrypt certificate or a paid, commercially-issued certificate - becomes inconsequential, as CF's certificate takes precedence in the proxying configuration.