When you connect to the internet, the browser sends an HTTP request message to the server on the website showing that you can be trusted and giving you access to the site. Most of the time, this takes less than a few seconds. But when you do that, the site can see your IP address, which it can save and use in the future. For example, if you go back to that site, it might show you ads based on what you did recently or take you back to the shopping cart you left.

The average person probably has a vague idea of what a proxy server is and how it works. If you're like most people, you probably think of proxy servers as a way to watch Netflix from other countries or make an open WiFi network a little bit safer. Proxy servers are an easy way for a computer with a private IP address to connect to another server on the internet.

You've probably used a web proxy server if you've ever been in a school, company, or similar group. But what does it mean to "proxy"? In this article, we'll talk about what proxy servers are, how web proxies work, how to use a proxy server, and, most importantly, what you can and can't expect from proxies when it comes to your online privacy and security.

What is a Proxy Server?

A web proxy protects the identity of people who don't want the internet to keep track of everything they do. You don't connect directly to a site; instead, you connect to an online proxy, which then connects to your site. The web proxy sits between your computer and the website you want to visit.

In this connection, the SmartProxy server acts as a go-between. Your client or app connects to the proxy, which sends your requests to their final destination. SmartProxy server handles your requests, but it hides a lot of information that could be used to find out who you are. This includes your original IP address, where the request came from, information about your operating system, and more. It hides your real IP address so that you can't be remembered or followed.

Types of Proxy Servers

1. Transparent proxy

A transparent proxy server tells websites that it is a proxy server, but it still sends your IP address to the web server, which lets the web server know who you are. Transparent proxies are often used by businesses, public libraries, and schools to filter content. They are easy to set up on both the client and server sides.

1. Anonymous Proxy

An anonymous proxy will say that it is a proxy, but it won't give the website your IP address. This keeps your browsing habits private and stops identity theft. They can also stop a website from showing targeted ads based on where you are. For example, if google.com knows you live in Lexington, Kentucky, it will only show you news stories about Lexington. Some websites won't be able to target ads to you if you browse anonymously.

1. Distorting proxy

A proxy server that changes your IP address gives out a fake IP address for you while calling itself a proxy. This works the same way as the anonymous proxy, but by giving a fake IP address, you can make it look like you're from somewhere else to get around content restrictions.

1. High Anonymity proxy

A high anonymity proxy is just like an anonymous proxy, except that it gives you even more privacy. It works because before the proxy tries to connect to the target site, your information is erased.

The server works best for people who need to stay anonymous, like employees who don't want their actions to be linked back to the company. On the other hand, some of them, especially the free ones, are set up as traps to get personal information or data from users.

Why Use Proxy Server?

1. Enhanced corporate and institutional security

Hackers are a worry for every business today. A data breach can cost a lot of money and hurt a company's reputation. Proxy servers such as Smartproxy add another level of security between your servers and traffic from outside your network. Proxy servers act as a buffer because they can connect to the internet and send requests from computers outside of the network.

Hackers might be able to get to your proxy, but it will be hard for them to get to the server running the web software where your data is stored. By using a proxy server, a company can also control and verify that its users have access to the resources they need, while also giving the user a secure connection to protect the company's data.

1. Anonymize sensitive tasks

Most people know that proxy servers can make web traffic anonymous. Many people don't realize how important this job is for businesses, which is a shame. Reporters, whistleblowers, and security officers use proxy servers to protect themselves, their sources, their companies, clients, and partners, as well as their own identities. You can also protect your company's research and development and other activities better.

If your company always uses a proxy, a spy who wants to figure out what your business is working on won't be able to keep track of your employees as easily. If you use a proxy before doing anything sensitive on the internet, you can hide your identity.

1. Bandwidth savings and improved speeds

Nothing is more annoying than when a company's website is down when a customer needs it. By making sure this doesn't happen, proxy servers, cloud storage, and peering all improve the customer experience. Your website's data and content are stored in the cloud, which is made up of many servers all over the world. Peering helps your network handle more traffic.

You can't ask a customer to try out a bunch of ISPs to get to that content, of course. Instead, a proxy server is used to make a single web address that acts as the access point. This means that when a lot of people use the same proxy server to access the same website at the same time, the proxy server only sends one request to that website.

1. Get access to blocked resources

Users can get around content restrictions put in place by companies or governments by using proxy servers. Is the online game of the local sports team blocked? You can watch from a proxy server on the other side of the country. You live in North Carolina, but it looks like you are in California because of the proxy server. Several governments around the world keep a close eye on and limit access to the internet.

You can use a proxy server like Smartproxy to stop employees from going to certain websites, but they can also use one to get to websites that have been blocked. If they can get to a proxy server, they can use that browser to get to the blocked site. Since their workstation computer's IP address will be the same as that of their proxy server, they can visit your blocked sites without being stopped by your proxy.

1. Control staff and children's internet use

Proxy servers are set up by companies and parents to control and watch how their employees or children use the internet. Most companies don't want you to look at certain websites while you're working, and they can set up a proxy server to block access to those sites instead of sending you a message asking you not to look at them on the company network. They can also track and log all web requests, so even if they don't block the site, they know how long you spend surfing the web.

Takeaway

Proxy servers are in the news a lot right now because of the debates over Net Neutrality and censorship. As we've already discussed, Smartproxy can improve security, and let you watch, listen, and browse in private. It gives you access to content based on your location and stops your employees from going to inappropriate or distracting sites.

Proxy servers are a useful tool that can help you keep your information private and get around restrictions based on where you live. You can use the Internet without any worry, just choose a proxy server that fits your needs.