Topic: open proxy server (dangers of??)

[ber]

hi was connecting to a ICR site and was rejected due to the fact i am using a "open proxy"?? I'm not clear exactly what this means. Ive read some info on proxy servers and still unsure whether its a manadatory in my situation- small business working from home. Security is not a great issue- though i take the general standard precautions.
Can anyone advise further what this refers to with respect to my system (SME 7.5.1). What can i change to as it were have a "closed" or "transparent" proxy? (not sure if this is convention speech.

Is this requirement excessive or a good practice that should be resolved. What do i need to do to enable access to the icr site.
here is the actual report from the IRC server.

[19:54] == Usermode change: +i
[19:54] == gateway/web/freenode/ip.119.224.64.78 is now your hidden host (set by syn.)
[19:54] -syn- Your reported IP [119.224.64.78] is banned: Open Proxy found on your IP 119.224.64.78  Please contact proxyscan@freenode.net with questions.
[19:54] == (Banned)
[19:54] == ERROR: Closing Link: gateway/web/freenode/ip.119.224.64.78 (Disconnected by services)
[19:54] == Disconnected from server: Connection to IRC server lost.

[CharlieBrady]

Did you contact proxyscan@freenode.net with your question?

Unless you have modified SME server you are not running an open proxy. If freenode.net think otherwise, ask then why they think that.

[ber]

Hi Charlie- to my understanding the server is not modified- though I may not be completely sure of this.
Can you explain how i would check or test for this. As per my post I'm puzzeled why the rejection message and what the real issue is??
I havent contacted ICR but will fire through a email to them- see if they respond??