Dynamic forward proxy chaining

A first HTTP forward proxy server in a forward proxy server chain, the first HTTP forward proxy server comprising:

• a processing system comprising one or more processors;
• and
• a memory that stores program instructions, comprising forward proxy server instructions, that when executed by the processing system, the processing system:
• receives an electronic communication message that comprises header information that includes destination information, the destination information comprising:
• a first subsequent destination identifier associated with a second HTTP forward proxy server subsequent to the first HTTP forward proxy server in the forward proxy server chain, and
• an ultimate destination identifier;
• modifies the destination information in the electronic communication message to generate a modified electronic communication message;
• establishes an electronic connection to a next destination in the forward proxy server chain based on the destination information or the modified destination information;
• and
• provides the modified electronic communication message to the next destination via the electronic connection.

A computer-readable storage medium having program instructions recorded thereon that, when executed by a processing system, perform a method of dynamic forward proxy chaining, the method comprising:

• receiving payload information and header information that includes an indication of an ultimate destination for an electronic communication message;
• determining a first HTTP forward proxy server and a second HTTP forward proxy server, the second HTTP forward proxy server subsequent to the first HTTP forward proxy server in a forward proxy server chain, to receive the electronic communication message based on the payload information, the header information, or a predefined order of HTTP forward proxy servers in the forward proxy server chain;
• generating the electronic communication message to include:
• destination information, in the header information, having at least a destination identifier of the second HTTP forward proxy server and the ultimate destination;
• and
• the payload information;
• establishing an electronic connection with the first HTTP forward proxy server;
• and
• providing the electronic communication message to the first HTTP forward proxy server via the electronic connection.