A proxy server plays the role of a gateway between you and the internet. It is like a middleman between internet users and the websites they browse.
A proxy server has different functions, privacy, and security levels, depending on your need or company policy.
When using a proxy server, internet traffic passes through the proxy server to get to the address you requested. Then the request flows back through the same proxy server. The proxy server then proceeds to forward the data gotten from the website to you.
How Does A Proxy Server Work?
Every computer connected to the web has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) Address. This is like your computer’s street address.
Just the way the post office delivers your mail to your correct address. The internet also knows how to send the correct data to the right computer through the IP address.
An internet-connected machine with an IP address is a proxy server. Your computer knows this address.
Each time you send a web request, the request gets to the proxy server first. The server then proceeds to make this request on your behalf. Once the response is generated, the proxy server sends the data to you, so you can view the page on your browser.
A proxy server works in various ways, so by proxies, you get the following.
- It can adjust your request and still get you the response you expect.
- A proxy server can change your IP address, making it impossible for the webserver to figure out exactly where you are.
- A proxy server can encrypt the data you’re sending unreadable.
- A proxy server can also make it impossible to access certain web pages by blocking access.
You can use free proxies to protect your online identity and security. By using a proxy server, you can hide your real IP address and stay anonymous while browsing the internet. This is essential if you want to avoid being tracked or spied on by anyone interested in compromising your privacy. So you should know how a proxy server works in various ways. This way, you can keep using free proxies for your virtual cyber security protection.
Functions Of A Proxy Server In Cyber Protection
Cyber protection protects computers connected to the internet from attacks and malicious intent. One of the essential features of a proxy server is its ability to protect you while you’re on the web, so here are 5 ways a proxy server functions in cyber protection.
1. Protecting Children From Toxic Sites
With the increased availability of smart devices, children can have unlimited access to the internet. Parents might not always be present to monitor their activities on the web.
Setting up a proxy server can help block children from certain harmful websites. The proxy server can be configured to deny the computer’s IP address access to specific sites.
The proxy server can also monitor and log all the requests sent from that IP address so that parents can tell how much time is spent surfing through that site even if a site is not blocked.
2. Protecting Your Computer From Hackers
The fear of getting hacked is perhaps the most substantial concern of everyone who uses the internet. Hackers steal personal information such as bank account details, credit card details, login credentials, and even personal health data.
They use personal information to take on the identity of the hacked user. This enables them to commit crimes without being detected. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Centre reported 43,000 identity theft cases in 2020 alone.
You can set up a proxy server as a firewall between your computer and the internet. This helps prevent hackers from accessing your IP address and infiltrating your computer to get sensitive personal information.
3. Keeping Your Activities Private
Another essential function of a proxy server in cyber security is allowing you to browse the web more privately. A proxy server has the ability to change a computer’s IP address. It can also adjust the contents of a request, changing certain personal information.
This makes it impossible for the website to which the request is sent to determine where it initially came from. This helps to keep your personal information and web activities more private.
4. Securing Your Transactions
One of the essential features of a proxy server is its ability to encrypt data. You can configure your proxy server to make your web requests unreadable by encrypting them.
This is how you secure your transactions and business dealings from prying eyes. Such that even if a third party gets access to the information, they are unable to figure it out.
Companies can pair their proxy server with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This provides the dual benefit of being able to access resources remotely, while also protecting the company data.
5. Shielding Your Server From Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS Attacks are one of the most common cybersecurity incidents. This happens when the victim’s web server is flooded with numerous requests and abnormally high traffic.
This causes the server to become so overwhelmed that it shuts down. Think of it like unexpected traffic congestion clogging up the highway.
DDOS attacks are launched with a network of connected machines. This network comprises several computers which have been infected with malware. They are referred to as bots or zombies. The malware allows them to be controlled remotely by the attacker.
They are then used to send several requests to the victim’s IP address. This causes the server to become jammed, causing a denial of service to the regular traffic. A proxy server can help prevent this attack by blocking any malware sites from accessing your server.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks and cybercrimes are growing more prevalent. And cybercriminals are getting more advanced in their techniques. But the good news is proxy servers can act as an additional layer of security.
Securing your personal information when you use the internet protects you from identity theft and prevents you from losing money. With proxies, you can be sure that your children are not exposed to content from harmful websites.
You can also be sure that your business dealings and purchases on the web remain confidential. You also get peace of mind by keeping all your internet activities private.
