How Do Proxy Servers Help with Security?

Don’t know how a proxy server works? You are not alone. There are many people that drive cars but don't know how cars work.

Fortunately for you, I'm going to tell you how they work. I'm not talking about cars; I’m talking about proxy servers.

Specifically, I’m going to tell you in the simplest terms just how proxy servers help with your security.

Let's start with a simple definition:

A proxy server is a separate server that acts as a gateway between you and the internet.

Proxy servers thus act as intermediaries between their users and the internet. They interact with the web on the users’ behalf.

Proxy servers have a wide range of functionality depending on what the user may require.

Here are 5 Ways in Which Proxy Servers Help with Your Computer Security

1. Anonymity 

This feature of proxy servers allows the user to surf the web anonymously. 

This is the primary feature of an anonymizer or anonymous proxy.

The proxy server sends the user’s requests to the destination server. The destination server is the server that ultimately carries out the user’s command. This server does not receive any information about the user; it only receives the user’s request.

This is similar in function to Virtual Private Network (VPN) servers.

Also, this is very convenient for users whose work depends on remaining anonymous such as whistleblowers, journalists, private investigators, among others. Important details such as their location and IP address are not disclosed on the web, allowing them to carry out their work anonymously.

2. Provides a buffer

One of the biggest threats to computer and data security is hackers. 

Cybercrime is not only problematic because it violates privacy but it’s also very expensive both for company finances and in goodwill. By 2021, cybercrime will account for a whopping $6 trillion of the world’s budget.

This gives you an idea of how much proxy servers are needed.

Proxy servers, by providing a buffer, ensure that hackers interact only with the proxy; the actual user and their data remain secure. The hacker could access the proxy server, but they would have great difficulty discovering and accessing the actual server that has the user's data.

A proxy server, while serving some of the same purpose, differs from a firewall. A firewall blocks unauthorized access whereas a proxy server simply redirects it. However, since a proxy does more than just prevent unauthorized access, it’s a more efficient way to secure your data.

A proxy server acts as a middleman between the user and the internet. Malicious content will not get past the proxy buffer.

3. Provides alternative IP address

Think of your IP address as your street address where the post office knows to deliver your mail.

Without an IP address, you cannot use the internet as there would not be a specified location to send your search results. 

And this sets up a potential threat. If your IP address is accessible to the internet, it is also accessible to hackers.

This is where proxy servers come in.

A proxy server is like a separate computer with its own IP address.

This proxy IP is accessible to the public while the user’s IP address remains known only to the proxy.

Another good example of where this feature is helpful is with a sneaker proxy. Apart from letting you buy many more sneakers than the rules allow (which we’d all love to do), sneaker proxies secure your IP address and keep it private. This feature has many more advantages and interestingly, it’s also a tool that will allow users to access blocked sites.

Some countries and/or organizations will (using a proxy) block access to certain sites. They do this based on the IP addresses of the user and the geographical location from where the user is accessing the site. 

A user may access these sites by getting the server to believe the proxy IP is the actual user's IP.

This reduces the chances of unauthorized, malicious third-parties accessing your data.

4. Monitoring content traffic

This is a convenient feature for security companies in particular and for many other companies that need to keep their data secure. 

Most such companies set up their own proxy servers. This gives them administrative control over all incoming and outgoing traffic.

This allows them to secure important data to a certain level of clearance. This also allows them to maintain public access to other less sensitive data.

Companies are then able to know in real-time which device is accessing which information.

This allows them to keep sensitive information secure. Also, in case of unauthorized access, they're able to find and retrieve any stolen data. This is only possible because they can see who has accessed the information, and at what time, and from which device. This allows the security personnel to locate the device and take proper measures to apprehend the culprit.

5. Encrypt data in transit

One of the best security features of proxy servers is encryption. You can basically configure your proxy server to encrypt your web requests.

This prevents any other outside individuals from accessing your data and making any use of it. This feature can also prevent harmful content and malware from coming through the proxy server. This is done through a trusted root certificate authority.

Companies configure devices to trust a root certificate. This root certificate has a private key that the proxy is aware of.

This ensures that only data from a trusted source can come in and other data from suspicious sources will be effectively blocked; a very effective way of securing the company’s database.

Conclusion

Proxy servers are beneficial tools in securing a company’s private information and their customers’ or employees’  personal data.

Aside from computer security, proxy servers help in many other ways. For example, they can allow the user to access blocked sites. These include sites that are inaccessible in certain countries or networks. 

Do leave us a comment and let us know if this was helpful. Also, let us know if there's anything else you’d like us to cover concerning proxy servers. Cheers.