In case you see this term for the first time, you might feel confused about what a proxy is. That’s why let’s start from the beginning and find out more about them.
What is a proxy? How does it work?
A proxy server is often called a proxy. Users often see it when they go on the Internet because it works as an intermediate between the PC and the website. There are numerous types of proxies, starting from transparent to elite ones for average users and special ones for corporations, governments, etc. We’ll focus on the ones everyone can use.
The proxy is a server with its own IP address. When a user uses such services and reaches for the website, the inquiry goes to this server first. In turn, the server reaches for the website information, encrypts it, and delivers it to the user’s device. Such services add security to online activitiesbecause the server’s IP masks the user’s IP address. The data encryption prevents personal data loss. Other benefits depend on the type of proxy server used.
For instance, many users use proxies from mixed countries to access websites or content restricted in the region. Using servers located in the needed country, a user reaches it as if from that country. It’s convenient for streaming platforms, online gaming, shopping, etc.
Main levels of protection
All regular proxies could be subdivided into three main groups. There can be transparent, distorting, and anonymous servers. They secure different levels of protection and anonymity. For instance, transparent proxies do not hide users’ IP addresses because their main function is to cache the data and speed up browsing. Distorting proxies replace the IP address with another one. Anonymousor the so-called elite proxies hide IP addresses completely.
