Proxy Server: Everything You Wanted to Know
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and an internet resource. The word "proxy" in English translates to "intermediary, representative". Its main purpose is to hide your IP address when accessing a website, thereby maintaining confidentiality online. But that's not all proxy servers can do, as there are different types and each has its unique features.
How Does It Work?
Normally, you connect directly to a website to view information. But if you set up a proxy server, your computer will send all web traffic to the proxy server, which then forwards the request to the desired website and sends the information back to you. This is done to mask your IP address and bypass content restrictions and monitoring of your online activities. For instance, there are geographical restrictions on content viewing: Netflix offers different content for US residents and other countries, and by connecting to the online cinema through a US proxy server, you can access exclusive movies and series.
Who Needs Proxy Servers?
- Corporations monitoring their employees' internet traffic and controlling access to certain online resources. - Anyone needing to bypass IP bans or other web resource restrictions. - Professionals wanting to hide information about their device, like testers or SMM managers.
What Can a Proxy Server Do?
- Track information: Corporate proxies often monitor how employees use the internet during work hours. - Increase speed: Some proxies are designed to speed up network access, including through file caching. - Maintain privacy: Changing your IP address makes it very difficult to track who is making the request. - Unblock websites: By sending substitute information, you can access sites blocked in your country. - Block unwanted sites: You can configure the server to restrict access to selected sites. - Encrypt and decrypt SSL: Some proxies can handle requests without interference from encryption because they themselves can do it.
Types of Proxy Servers
Choose a server based on the task you want to accomplish and carefully check its characteristics before installing, as they can vary significantly. Let’s discuss the most popular ones:
- HTTP и HTTPS
Designed for accessing geographically restricted content. They direct all traffic through a remote proxy server. Important differences between these two protocols are that HTTP does not encrypt traffic, whereas HTTPS is an encrypted protocol. To make an online payment with an HTTPS proxy, make sure SSL is enabled in the browser and only visit sites with a current SSL certificate. Remember, proxy servers do not encrypt traffic. For this purpose, you need a VPN.
- SOCKS5
Suitable for accessing file-sharing services, streaming video, and online games. It transmits data via HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. However, connections through this server are often very slow because free proxies have fewer configuration options and incomplete support and updating of technologies.
- Transparent Proxies
Used not only for accessing but also for blocking websites. Even parents can set up such a proxy to filter certain content on their children's computers or phones. You likely have used such servers without even knowing it.
- Shadowsocks
Created by Chinese users to circumvent internet blockages. Its feature is in encryption, which is rare for proxy servers. Moreover, you can specify which information you want to hide and which not. Traffic is disguised as a regular HTTPS connection, making it hard to track. But remember, it only encrypts data from the user to the proxy server. Beyond that, nothing is encrypted.
Browser Versions of VPNs Are Also Proxies
Yes, it's true. Many VPN services offer browser extensions, so they are often perceived as VPNs, but this is not the case. VPN technologies only work through a program downloaded to the device because they encrypt all traffic from the computer, not just the browser. That's why it has such a high level of privacy protection. Browser extensions, even those downloaded as VPNs, only encrypt browser traffic and nothing more. They most often use Shadowsocks technology and, as mentioned above, remember that data is not fully encrypted.
Should You Use Proxy Servers?
The decision is yours. They have both pros and cons. But the main issue is the lack of security due to the absence of additional encryption. Thus, the server owner or a fraudster can intercept your personal data and data that you exchange with the site. For example, login and password or card details. Therefore, if you need enhanced data security, it's better to use a VPN.
How to Set Everything Up?
Browser extensions or special programs don't need any special setup. Just turn on the downloaded software, and the proxy server will do everything itself. Later, you can change the proxy server address or connection protocol if needed. Detailed settings are not necessary for personal use. The most important and difficult thing is to choose a reliable provider you can fully trust.
