Proxy

A proxy is an intermediary server or software which acts as a gateway between the internet and a user’s device such as a computer or smart phone. When a proxy is in place, traffic flows through the proxy server prior to reaching its destination server or website. Proxies are used for various purposes including security, privacy and network performance.

Some common types of proxies and their purpose include:

Forward Proxy: Forward proxies or web proxies are used by clients (user devices) to indirectly access resources over the internet. They can be deployed for controlling and filtering internet access and improve performance by caching frequently requested data while masking the user’s IP for enhanced privacy.

Reverse Proxy: These proxies are positioned between web servers and the internet. They handle requests on behalf of the server from the clients providing load balancing, SSL termination, and caching. Reverse proxies help improve the security and performance of web servers.

Transparent Proxy: Transparent proxies intercept and redirect internet traffic without configurations being required on the users device. They are typically used for content filtering and monitoring.

Anonymous Proxy: Designed to hide a user’s IP address from the accessed server to provide anonymity. Typically used for privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): Although not technically only a proxy, VPN’s provide similar benefits by creating encrypted tunnels between the VPN server and users device. They help protect privacy, secure data transmissions, and bypass geographical restrictions.

It’s important to note that proxies can be beneficial but they can also be misused for malicious purposes. User’s should be aware of the intended purpose of proxies in use.