Proxy or VPN: which is safer

Proxy vs VPN: Core Distinctions

Both VPN and Proxy were designed to guarantee privacy to a wide range of users. Despite the fact that they function for the common goal, the methods of functioning are totally the opposite. If generally speaking then proxy is like a gateway between the users and the internet. While in VPN functioning, the traffic goes via the fully-encrypted tunnel and that is extremely effective for the network security and clients’ anonymity.

Proxy Servers

The proxy servers function as intermediatory between the internet and the user. This type of server is an ideal method of security and privacy mechanisms depending on the policy of the company, use case, and of course needs.

When the proxy server is used, all the traffic volume goes through the proxy before it reaches the requested address. After that, the request returns to the proxy, and then the data is forwarded via the proxy server from the chosen website.

The proxy servers do much better than usual forwarding, it can significantly influence the performance and the security. The proxy can be somehow compared with the web filter which guarantees better security.    

The proxy server can function in a variety of ways, to start from it might modify your real IP address so it will be hard to identify your location on the web. Moreover, your information can be significantly secured with the help of an encryption approach. In addition to this, the proxy can even block specific websites or web pages.  

Now that you have a basic understanding of the proxy servers, let’s discuss their major types:

Forward Proxy

The forward proxy is functioning approximately the same as other proxy servers, with one exception - the information is forwarded to the users who are in the same network. Once a server gets a request, the forward proxy determines whether such a connection should be done.

This type is an ideal option for those companies that are searching for the one point of entry for the network. The security of the IP address is given to all the users of the network and it significantly simplifies the admin processes. The only minus in this type of server is that users might be a little bit limited.

Transparent Proxies

The usage of this type of proxy can have the best possible experience of using a proxy server while at the same time not noticing this fact. The server is so transparent that you might even forget that you are actually using the proxy and that sounds awesome. In some case scenarios, users might use transparent proxies without even knowing this.

This type is perfect for those organizations that don’t want to overwhelm their employees with additional information about the used technologies. If you decide not to notify your employees about a transparent proxy server, you can do it by giving a seamless experience. One great minus of this proxy is the higher risks of online threats. For instance, you might experience SYN-flood or other online attacks.  

The Role of Anonymous Proxies

Anonymous servers are extremely important for users who don’t want to share their personal information online. The proxies are almost untraceable, the users won’t share their computer data as well as their identity while using the internet.

There are a variety of users who are searching for full anonymity while using the internet and this is an understandable desire. As with any approach or system, this server is also not ideal and there are a couple of minuses. The major one is connected with the factor of honesty. Some users share ideas that it is unfair to hide your identity and only scammers can do it for the sake of financial profit and so on.

How Distorting Proxies Work

The distorting proxy functions by hiding the identity of the user and it might be extremely important for some purposes. The identity can be slightly modified for instance the IP address can be changed to the wrong one.​

This type of proxy server is also a great option for users who don’t want to share their actual location while surfing the internet. A huge bonus is that you can change your location for whatever region or country you want and browse from this geographical point without being detected. The factor of anonymity influences a lot and that’s why distorting proxy servers are so popular among the users of different countries. The only disadvantage of such server usage is the risk of blockage. Some websites are automatically blocking the users of the proxies so that they cannot access needed information or services. This is the only possible inconvenience that might be connected with distorting proxies.

Data Center Proxies: An Overview

The services of proxy data centers can be received via specific companies. This means the proxy server is located in an actual data center which address you can find online and check its reliability and users’ feedback. All the requests are going through this actual physical machine which is regularly checked by professionals and that is a huge bonus.

This type of proxy server is an awesome choice for users who are searching for a cheap solution and at the same time quick response time. Because of the good response time, this type of server is a great variant for those who need a quick gathering of information. So, the clients can collect the needed data in no time for the quickest functioning. The minor disadvantage of this type is the less anonymity which can be really risky for the clients.   

The Basics of Public Proxies

The advantage of the public proxy is in its price and this means accessibility by a variety of users. The whole process functions by offering clients access to the IP address and in such a way the identity is hidden.

Public proxies suit clients who prioritize minimal investments and don’t bother about the speed of functioning or security characteristics. This type of proxy is very accessible and because of this so many users prefer it, but at the same time very cheap. The major concern is connected with the slow functioning because of the lots of users. Except for slowness, you also can have issues with security because your information is relatively easily accessed.   

Shared Proxies: What You Need to Know

The shared proxy means that it is used by a couple of clients. A shared IP address is accessible by several users and they can surf the internet from the needed location without overpaying for such a service.

This type of proxy will be beneficial for all the users who don’t want to invest huge budgets and don’t require the fastest speed of connection. This is probably the cheapest available option so don’t expect the best performance characteristics. The biggest issue that might occur is a ban, because of the activity of another user.  

SSL Proxies: Secure Web Access

SSL proxy is probably the most secure option because decryption is done between the server and the client. Due to the fact, that the encryption is in all directions, the proxy server is fully hidden and that guarantees better protection.

Such types of proxy suits for companies that require additional protection. Except for the risks minimized by the online threats, it is also beneficial for the ranking in Google. This means Google prioritizes machines that apply SSL proxy or SSL.

As for some drawbacks, the major one is connected with the caching of encrypted content. Because the caching cannot be done, after a couple of website visits, you will notice worse performance than initially.

Defining VPNs

There is some similarity between the proxy server and VPN mainly in the process of functioning. The traffic in both these options is coming from the remote IP. Despite the obvious similarities, VPN works slightly differently by running the volumes of traffic via the encrypted tunnel. In such a way, the maximum level of security is possible to achieve between the user and the VPN network.

When using a VPN service from a reliable provider, you can be sure of the stability of functioning, anonymity, privacy, and more. This is especially important and almost crucial when you are surfing the internet in a public place where you cannot be sure of your security. Once you are in the café, you can connect to the VPN and be sure that you are not sharing your private information online as others who are using local Wi-Fi without any protection.

Advanteges and disadvantages of Corporate VPNs

Corporate VPN is a great method of connection to a network and offers corporate resources. The businesses can easily connect the machine to the network via the fully encrypted tunnel which can significantly influence the security.

Advantages of the corporate VPN:

• Security.  
• Safe transfers of files.
• Reasonable prices.
• Better collaboration.
• Working remotely.

Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility.
• Latency issues.
• Less privacy than might be expected.

Individual VPNs: Personal Online Security

The VPN greatly influences the online security of every user, mainly by giving anonymity for internet surfing. The real location of the user is hidden so it is really difficult to track the actual geography of the person. Personal VPN is an ideal option for all the users who are bothered about online security and particularly the online activity that can be monitored.

One more reason why someone might need a VPN is public Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi in restaurants, parks, hotels, or anywhere else cannot be considered a secure connection. Of course, it is convenient to use the available internet connection for free, but don’t forget that the high chance of hacker attacks is increased with public Wi-Fi.

With VPN you can forget about all the streaming restrictions that can bother you so much. For instance, lots of services are only locally available and you cannot access them otherwise than by usage of the VPN. Select the needed country and use the services that you want without any limitations.   

Individual VPNs are very useful for a variety of reasons and it is difficult to share each one because it is rather individual thing. However, online communication is important for everyone and a VPN can help with its security. Due to the encryption, your virtual communication will be anonymous and that is fantastic.