Staying safe on the internet has always been a crucial part of its safe use. However, just as the internet has evolved, so have cyber threats. Solutions like proxy servers or VPNs are used predominantly by organizations or tech-savvy individuals. A somewhat alarming number of people use computers that are almost completely unprotected against cyber threats. Perhaps the greatest reason stopping more widespread usage is simply a lack of understanding of how these solutions function. Even with modern-day cyber securities vendors like Sangfor offering them as services, the behind-the-scenes workings can be somewhat mystifying. This article aims to break down the complexities of proxy servers. We will discuss everything from the proxy server definition (including the meaning of different proxy types), what they can do, how they work, and much more.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server by definition is an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Every computer has an IP address connected to it, which acts much like a regular home address. Without it, your computer would not be able to receive data from other sources, and it would not be able to send verifiable and trustworthy data outwards. The problem with this system is that if your IP address falls into the wrong hands, you may be at risk of spoofing attacks, DDoS attacks, getting hacked, and much more. Proxy servers are designed to prevent situations like this.
How do proxy servers work?
Proxy servers add an extra layer of defense between you and the internet by being a middleman, or gateway between your computer and a website. Data requests and receipts are facilitated through the proxy server, meaning your computer’s IP address is not revealed.
To better explain, let's imagine two individuals browsing the same website - one with a proxy server set up, and one without. The user without a proxy server will issue a request directly to the website, revealing his computer’s IP address. Contrastingly, the user with a proxy server sends this request not to the website, but to the proxy server itself. From here, the proxy server would forward it to the website, and facilitate the returned data to the user. This way, the user’s IP address is not shared, using instead the IP address of the proxy server.
Proxy servers can also encrypt your data during transit and restrict access to certain websites.
What are the different types of proxy servers?
While all proxy servers have the same overall purpose, specific characteristics and the way they function can vary. The following is a breakdown and definition of the most common proxy servers:
Forward proxy
A forward proxy is the most common type of proxy server. They are typically set up within organizations or other internal, secluded networks. All the computers within this network send their requests through the forward proxy, which can then reject or allow them to pass through a firewall. Forward proxy servers provide a level of administrative control, as certain websites can be blocked, while also providing a basic level of protection for the IP addresses of internal computers.
Transparent proxy
Transparent proxies are mainly used for monitoring and the surveillance of employees. They are well suited for this as they provide no obvious indicators to the user that they exist - hence the name “transparent”. These proxy servers do not change or modify requests in any way. Rather, they filter requests so that employees can monitor or restrict internet usage.
Anonymous proxy
An anonymous proxy is designed to keep the user’s personal information secret. They will not provide websites with personal information such as your IP address and therefore location. Because of this, targeted information such as some advertising or suggested posts based on locality cannot be done. To some, this is seen as a benefit, and staying anonymous online remains a priority to ensure their safety.
High-anonymity proxy
A high-anonymity proxy is similar in nature to an anonymous proxy, but is even more effective. Servers are not able to identify the IP address of a computer using either an anonymous or high-anonymity proxy. However, with an anonymous proxy, they can identify the fact a proxy has been used. High-anonymity proxies do this by erasing any identifying data before connecting to the website.
Distorting proxy
Sometimes, the goal of using a proxy is not only privacy. Unlike anonymous proxies which hide IP addresses, distorting proxies provide a fake IP address in its place. While this does provide some privacy benefits, it can also be used to change the region the user appears to be connecting from. Many content websites use IP addresses to offer different content catalogs to various regions. Distorting proxies are therefore used to bypass this.
Data center proxy
data center proxy differs from other types of proxies in that they are not associated with an internet service provider. Instead, they originate from a data center hosted by a separate company. Data center proxies are used commonly due to being relatively inexpensive and their ability to provide a fast, high-bandwidth solution.
Residential proxy
Residential proxies are similar to other proxies in that they hide your IP address. However, residential proxies provide servers with an alternate IP address of a real device instead. Because of this, residential proxies are viewed as more trustworthy - but they are often also more expensive to purchase and use. Residential proxies may be used for ad verification, some SEO practices, and a range of other purposes where having a legitimate IP in a specific region is needed.
Shared proxy
A shared proxy, as its name suggests, is used by several users simultaneously. This means that the same IP address is used for more than one user. This has some benefits such as lower costs and higher anonymity. However, more individuals using the same proxy server adds additional strain to its capacity, thus slowing down its performance.
Public proxy
Public proxies are available for anyone on the internet to use. Much like shared proxies, public proxies can get weighed down considerably by a high number of active users. Most often, public proxies are used to bypass content restrictions.
SSL proxy
An SSL proxy helps encrypt data between a client and server through the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) process. SSL proxies are completely transparent and help make servers more secure. Because Google and other search engines value security, websites can get an SEO boost by simply using SSL proxies.
Rotating proxy
When a user connects to a server with a standard proxy, they are assigned an alternate IP address. Each time they use the same proxy, the same IP address will be used. Rotating proxies are different as they provide a new IP address each time a user connects to the proxy. This offers some convenience for fast anonymous browsing, but also opens up some potential security risks.
Reverse proxy
A reverse proxy is the opposite of a forward proxy. Rather than sitting in front of the user, a reverse proxy instead sits in front of a web server. Here, it intercepts requests sent from users and communicates with the web server in their place. This means that no user can ever communicate directly with the web server. Reverse proxies offer several benefits, including spreading the traffic load across different servers, increased security, and more.
Suffix proxy
Suffix proxies are some of the simplest proxies to operate. Users can easily access otherwise restricted web content by placing the proxy server at the end of a URL. Despite this, suffix proxies offer limited levels of anonymity and have a hard time bypassing more complicated content restrictions.
Why should you use a proxy server?
The specific type of proxy server used will no doubt vary based on unique conditions and requirements. However, those looking into proxies in general should consider these main benefits:
- Privacy and security: Using a proxy server means keeping your IP address hidden from the servers you connect to. For some individuals and organizations, it is highly important to keep browsing data and personal information private. As well as the privacy benefits, proxy servers offer additional security for their users. The encryption offered by SSL proxies as well as the simple benefit of using a forward or reverse proxy means your data is less likely to fall into the wrong hands.
- Control internet access: Some organizations or parents may want to control internet access for employees or minors. Using proxy servers to block certain websites can be a great way to boost productivity within an organization or keep children away from the more unsavory side of the internet. Sangfor’s own Internet Access Gateway (IAG) is a great example of a tool available for businesses to achieve this.
- Improved network speed: Organizations that have lots of employees using the same network may be able to use proxy servers to alleviate bandwidth constraints. A proxy server will be able to consolidate requests to the same server and reduce the overall amount of requests.
- Bypass content restrictions: One of the most common and simplest uses of a proxy is bypassing content restrictions. Paywalls for articles, location-specific content, and much more are often easily bypassed with a cheap proxy server. For some individuals, proxy servers are one of the few ways to gain access to certain pieces of content.
How do proxy servers compare with VPNs?
VPNs and proxy servers are sometimes mixed up. While they do have a few key similarities, they are completely different solutions. While proxy servers are computers that act as a gateway between the user and server, VPNs (virtual private networks) are servers that encrypt your data and IP address.
Benefits of a VPN
VPNs have a few key features:
- They have an unlimited number of uses for a single VPN
- They encrypt web activity as well as IP addresses
- They will not log your web activity
Because of this, VPNs are considered better than proxy servers for staying hidden on the internet, and for connecting privately to several different servers at once. However, they are usually run through a subscription service and can become costly.
Benefits of a proxy server
Proxy servers can achieve most of what a VPN can, but bring to the table some benefits:
- Many proxy servers are completely free to use.
- If you do not need an all-encompassing solution, a proxy server can be quick and easy to set up.
What are some potential downsides of using a proxy server?
Proxy servers are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and they certainly have some downsides or complications. For example:
- Proxy servers do not encrypt web traffic. If your goal is to keep this hidden from all parties including your ISP, you are better off with a VPN.
- As mentioned above, proxy servers cannot hide your IP address from every single website like a VPN can.
- Some proxy servers, especially the free ones, may log your web traffic information to sell to third parties later on.
Learn more with Sangfor
If you are interested in learning more about proxy servers, please do not hesitate to contact our team. Sangfor offers a range of cyber security solutions for businesses, such as Internet Access Gateway, Next-Generation Firewall, Incident Response, and many more.
