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Proxy Server: The Key to Anonymous Browsing

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What Is A Proxy Server?

In this digital era, 5.16 billion Internet users can easily acquire and share information.

However, the Internet’s accessibility and convenience also come with risks. In 2022, more than 422 million people in the US were reported as victims of data compromises.

Adding another security layer for your online privacy is a great decision. This is where a proxy server comes into play.

Continue reading to learn about a proxy server — its types, pros and cons, and history.

🔑Key Takeaways:

A proxy server is an intermediary that connects your devices to the Internet, providing online security and maintaining privacy online.
The major types of proxy servers include forward proxy, reverse proxy, anonymous proxy, high anonymity proxy, transparent proxy, SSL proxy, and SOCKS proxy.
The advantages of using a proxy server are enhanced security, access control, caching, content filtering, and geolocation bypass.
The potential drawbacks of using a proxy server are security risks, lack of encryption, and configuration complexity.
Since its introduction in the 1970s, proxy servers have continued developing and improving.
Although similar in functions, a proxy server differs from a VPN based on these criteria: encryption, security, network, cost, and selling data.

What Is A Proxy Server?

A proxy server is an intermediary that connects your PC and other gadgets to the Internet.

Say you requested access to a website or any online resource. The request goes through the proxy server first instead of directly connecting to the website.

The proxy server works on your behalf and establishes a connection with the website, retrieving the information you requested.

This system is used to protect identities and maintain privacy online. It can also bypass restrictions and improve internet speed.

In schools or workplaces, proxy servers block access to certain websites deemed inappropriate for these settings. It can also balance internet traffic by dividing the load among several servers. This prevents any single server from becoming overloaded.

💡Did You Know? Each proxy error has corresponding classifications and codes. They are grouped into 5 classes, indicating the nature of the response code. The codes are:

1XX informational – the server received your request and is processing it
2XX success – your request was successfully processed and fulfilled
3XX redirection – the server accepted your request, but it requires further action to finalize
4XX client error – your request is incorrect or lacks required information, and the target server can’t accept it
5XX server error – the server received your request but encountered an internal error while processing

Types Of Proxy Servers

There are different types of proxy servers. Each type has unique features and works differently. It’s essential to understand the use of each one to know which suits your needs.

Here are the common types of proxy servers:

Infographics About the Types of Proxy Servers

Forward Proxy

A forward proxy is a server between clients on an internal network and the Internet. It forwards the clients’ requests and receives the corresponding responses on their behalf.

The primary purpose of a forward proxy is to facilitate and control the data flow between clients and external servers.

Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy is at the forefront of web servers, forwarding requests from browsers. It helps balance the load of incoming requests for popular websites.

Anonymous Proxy

Also called "distorting proxies,” anonymous proxies hide your Internet Protocol (IP) address by providing a fake one to websites.

It offers partial anonymity by revealing the use of a proxy. Websites can identify these proxies, leading to potential blocks.

What is the Best Proxy Server?

Best for: Best overall

Smartproxy

Smartproxy is a top-rated proxy provider trusted by many. Its 40 million+ proxies from 195+ locations help bypass CAPTCHAs, geo-blocks, and IP bans. It offers a free trial and has a high rating of 4.7 on Trustpilot with 89% 5-star ratings, making it one of the best in the industry.

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Best for

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How to Choose the Best Proxies?

High Anonymity Proxy

High anonymity proxies are also called elite proxies. It provides the highest level of anonymity.

This proxy type hides your IP address and ensures your identity remains concealed. It does not tell the server you’re connecting to that you’re using a proxy.

Transparent Proxy

Transparent proxies offer no privacy to users. They reveal the user’s IP address and keep the proxy IP visible.

These are typically set up on the server side to manage website traffic. Users are often unaware that their connection is being routed through a proxy.

SSL Proxy

An SSL proxy uses encryption technology called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to safeguard your data. It encrypts your data, like passwords and credit card details, so others can’t see or steal it.

It's a protective barrier between you and the website you’re visiting to protect your privacy. The proxy handles encryption without the website or your device knowing it’s there.

SOCKS Proxy

A SOCKS proxy hides where your internet activity comes from and lets you access blocked content. If you encounter a blocked website in your country, a SOCKS proxy can help.

It can connect to a different country where the website is not restricted. This way, you can view content that would otherwise be limited.

✅Pro Tip: If you’re a proxy user, you can use a proxy manager or make your own for an accessible, easier, and safer browsing experience. For you to build a proxy, you will need the following:

Web Hosting
PHP7 or higher and cURL
Permit

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Proxy Servers

Proxy servers come with many benefits, but they also have disadvantages. Check out the table below for the pros and cons of using proxy servers:

Pros

Cons

Enhanced Privacy

Since proxy servers act as intermediaries, websites need help identifying your IP address.

Security Risks

Some proxy servers need more security measures. The lack thereof exposes your data to malicious activities.

Access Control

Proxy servers can restrict access to certain websites or content.

It helps parents, schools, and organizations prevent their kids, students, or employees from visiting certain websites.

Lack of Encryption

Not all proxy servers encrypt the data transmitted between your device and the server.

It leaves you vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access.

Caching

Proxy servers can cache frequently accessed web pages.

This lessens the load on the network and speeds up subsequent requests for the same content.

Configuration Complexity

Setting up proxy server settings requires technical knowledge, which can be challenging for less experienced users.

Content Filtering

Proxy servers can filter unwanted or harmful content, like malware or inappropriate websites.

This only means added security for you and your devices.

Geolocation Bypass

Proxy servers help bypass geolocation restrictions. It lets you access region-restricted sites from anywhere in the world.

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Proxy Server Evolution

Proxy servers have been around for years. It was a vital factor in the growth of Internet communication by facilitating secure and efficient data transmission.

Initially developed to optimize network performance, proxy servers have since evolved to encompass many functionalities.

The table below shows how proxy servers have evolved through the years:

The 1970s – Introduction of Networks

Internet networks were introduced to the public, and the concept of proxies began.

The 1990s – Development of Proxies

Proxy servers were developed to enhance both the performance and security of internet connections.

Organizations like universities and government agencies were the primary users of proxy servers. This helped decrease the load on their internal networks.

The early 2000s – Proxy Server for Privacy

A proxy server rose in popularity as people began using it to protect their privacy from cyberattackers. This is mainly due to increasing phishing and malware attacks.

Present Day – Proxy Server Expansion

Many proxy servers emerged, each with specific features and purposes.

The use of proxy servers expanded from traditional desktops and laptops to other devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles like Play Station 4 (PS4) to reduce lag and improve connection speed.

We continue to fight for your right to communicate freely and privately.

Now, when connecting to WhatsApp directly is not possible, you can stay connected around the world through a server set up by volunteers and organizations dedicated to helping others communicate freely.

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 5, 2023

Proxy Servers vs. VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy servers are often mistaken for one another. While these tools have a lot of similar features, they also have a few differences.

Here are some qualities that proxy servers and VPNs have in common:

Privacy Protection: Proxy servers and VPNs can help protect your privacy and online anonymity by masking your IP address.
Bypassing Restrictions: They allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content blocked in your region.
Anonymity: Proxy servers and VPNs can hide your IP address. This makes it hard for websites and services to track your online activities.

On the other hand, check out the table below to see the differences between a proxy server and a virtual private network:

Criteria	Proxy Servers	VPNs
Encryption	No encryption	Encryption between your device and the destination
Security	Limited security	High level of security and data encryption
Network	Operates at the application level	Operates at the operating system level
Cost	Usually free or cost less	Paid and may cost more
Selling data	Sells user data to advertisers	Does not share user data

When you use a proxy server, only specific applications or browsers route their traffic through it. It doesn’t encrypt your connection, so the data is not secured.

Proxy servers are often used to bypass restrictions and improve performance by caching web content.

Meanwhile, VPNs make an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. All of your device’s internet traffic is routed through this secure connection.

It provides a higher level of privacy and network security compared to proxy servers. They encrypt your data, so it’s difficult for anyone to intercept or view your online activities.

Final Words

A proxy server works between you and the Internet. It allows you to enjoy anonymous internet activity and improved network performance.

With different types available and each type catering to specific needs, proxy servers offer advantages but also come with potential drawbacks.

As technology evolves, proxy servers play a crucial role alongside VPNs in safeguarding online privacy and enabling a seamless browsing experience.

FAQs.

How do schools use proxy servers?

Schools use proxy servers to control and monitor internet activity. It allows schools to filter and block certain content. Proxy servers protect schools against security threats and ensure the appropriate use of online resources.

What proxy do schools use?

The proxy servers schools typically use are residential proxies and data center proxies.

What distinguishes a proxy from a proxy server?

A proxy is a general term for an intermediary that acts on behalf of something. Meanwhile, a proxy server is a computer server that facilitates communication between clients and other servers. It provides caching, anonymity, and more.

Sources.

Statista

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