For example I am using ssh -D 4589 username@hostname to make a secure connection to the hostname. 4589 is the local port to be used . After connecting to the remote hostname If you configure the proxy settings in the browser( In the socks field put 127.0.0.1 and as port put 4589 or whatever port you define in the command ) you'll be using your own proxy server! no need to use the insecure public proxys.
Check the manual of SSH for more info