What is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server acts as a bridge between you and the internet, often referred to as an intermediary server because it sits between you and the websites you visit. Since a proxy server has its own IP address, your online activities appear to originate from a different location. Additionally, it can be configured as a firewall or web filter to protect your devices from cyber threats.
There are several types of proxy servers, including:
Forward Proxy
A forward proxy sits in front of users and facilitates access to data on the internet, particularly for groups within a private network. When you send a request, the proxy evaluates it to determine whether to connect. It’s ideal for networks requiring a single entry point, offering IP address security and easy management. However, it might not fully meet individual users’ needs.
Transparent Proxy
A transparent proxy allows you to browse the internet as you normally would, hence the term “transparent.” Often, users are connected to these proxies without their knowledge. They’re perfect for companies that want to use a proxy without employees realizing it. The benefit is a seamless browsing experience, but these proxies are more vulnerable to certain security threats, like SYN-flood denial-of-service attacks.
Anonymous Proxy
An anonymous proxy hides your identity online, making your activities untraceable. It’s ideal for users seeking complete privacy. While it offers excellent protection, using one can sometimes be perceived as sneaky, potentially leading to pushback or discrimination.
High Anonymity Proxy
A high anonymity proxy goes further by erasing your information before connecting to a website. This type is best for those needing total privacy, such as employees who don’t want their activities tracked. However, be cautious with free versions, as they might be traps to steal your personal information.
Distorting Proxy
A distorting proxy tells websites that it’s a proxy but hides its actual identity by changing its IP address. It’s a good choice for users who want to obscure their location, making it appear as if they’re browsing from a different country. This protects both your identity and the proxy’s, but some websites might block distorting proxies, preventing access to certain sites.
Data Center Proxy
Data center proxies aren’t linked to an internet service provider (ISP); instead, they originate from another company’s data center. These proxies offer quick response times and are cost-effective, making them ideal for gathering information quickly. However, they don’t provide the highest level of anonymity, which could put your identity at risk.
Residential Proxy
A residential proxy assigns you an IP address tied to a real, physical device. All your internet requests route through that device. These proxies are great for verifying ads on your site and blocking unwanted or suspicious ads. Although more reliable than other proxies, they tend to be more expensive, so it’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits.
Public Proxy
A public proxy is free and open for anyone to use. It hides your identity by allowing you to use its IP address while browsing. Public proxies are best for those prioritizing cost over speed and security. However, they’re often slow due to heavy traffic and can increase the risk of your information being accessed by others online.
Shared Proxy
Shared proxies are used by multiple people simultaneously, providing a shared IP address. They allow you to browse the internet as if you’re in a different location. While they’re a budget-friendly option, they can be slow. Additionally, if another user misuses the proxy, you could end up banned from certain sites.
SSL Proxy
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) proxy provides encryption between your device and the server, securing your data and hiding the proxy’s existence. It’s great for organizations needing extra protection against threats that SSL can detect and block. Plus, since Google favors SSL, using this proxy with your website might improve its search ranking. The downside is that content encrypted with SSL can’t be cached, which might slow down your browsing experience.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN is similar to a proxy server in that it makes your internet traffic appear to come from a different location. However, unlike a proxy, a VPN encrypts your data, sending it through a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN network. This makes VPNs a great choice for maintaining privacy and security online.
Using a VPN from a trustworthy provider is especially crucial when browsing on public Wi-Fi, like in a café. Instead of connecting directly to the local Wi-Fi, which might have weak security and expose your private information, you connect to a VPN, ensuring your data stays safe.
Types of VPNs
Corporate VPN
Businesses use corporate VPNs to protect employees’ devices and data, regardless of where they are connecting from.
Individual VPN
These VPNs are designed for personal use, providing individuals with a secure way to browse the internet.
Proxy vs. VPN: Key Differences
Although VPNs and proxy servers might seem similar, important differences set them apart. When choosing between a proxy server and a VPN, consider the following:
Security
Proxy servers can hide your identity from websites, but they don’t encrypt your connection. This makes using a public proxy server less secure than connecting directly through a browser. Conversely, VPNs provide stronger security by encrypting your data before transmission, keeping your identity hidden from both the web and your internet service provider (ISP).
Privacy
Both VPNs and proxy servers hide your IP address, but they handle your data differently. Proxy servers act as a “middleman” between you and the web, masking your IP address from the sites you visit. However, they don’t secure the data being transmitted.
A VPN goes further by not only hiding your IP address and location but also using end-to-end encryption. This means your ISP or router cannot access your data, providing total privacy. Even if someone intercepts your encrypted data, they cannot use it without decrypting it first.
Speed
A proxy is a single server that many people might use simultaneously, which can slow down your connection. Free proxies tend to be even slower. VPN servers located far from your physical location can also cause slight delays, but choosing a reputable VPN provider with up-to-date technology should minimize any slowdown.