Proxy vs VPN: Which Is Better for Security?
Are you worried about the security of your online account? You’re not alone. Many are looking for ways to protect their identities from third-party websites on the internet and increase their privacy online.
Proxy and VPNs are able to assist by hiding a user’s IP address. If you’re looking for more security while surfing the web environment, these tools can be extremely beneficial to you.
In this blog, we will go over the distinctions and similarities between VPNs and proxy servers and VPNs, their potential to increase your security, as well as what you should consider when deciding which one you should use.
What is an intermediary?
A proxy server or proxy as it’s also known – is a type of server that serves in the role of an intermediary for you to connect with website and services that you’re trying access. It is able to alter the requests that are sent from your device, which makes it appear as if you’re in a different geographical area than is actually the actual situation.
Based on the type of proxy, it could be working on behalf of the user making requests and/or on behalf for the server that is receiving requests. A forward proxy is situated on top of several client machines that process both inbound and outgoing responses from external networks (like web-based networks). A reverse proxy is, however is located on top at least one of of the origin servers, and process and forwards requests made by clients.
Utilizing either server has numerous advantages, with the most important is security. Since forward proxy servers communicate with other servers for clients, the forward proxy conceals the IP address of the client which decreases the likelihood of being a victim of a data breach or another cyberattack. Similar to a reverse proxy, it conceals its IP address from its origin servers, making it more than a challenge for attackers to use DDoS (DDoS) attacks, as well as others targeted attack.
What is a VPN?
The virtual private networkalso known as VPN as it is commonly referred to serves as an encrypted, secure tunnel connecting your gadget to internet. Through an intermediary server offered by the service providers of VPN every data stream that goes through your connection to the internet is kept from the public eye.
A VPN is frequently compared with the term “tunnel. The data you transmit through the tunnel while it is transferring and leaving an internet server, and is then encrypted. This means that the users who connect to the VPN server are not traced from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or any other entity as well as being protected from hackers who try to steal and access their data.
We now know the difference between what a VPN and a proxy is and what they are, let’s take a close review of their distinctions.
The application-level approach means that proxies are able to redirect the traffic that comes from a specific application or browser, while VPNs’ capability to work at the operating level implies it is able to redirect all of your traffic.
Do I require a proxy if I already have VPN?
The answer is simple: No. Since a proxy as well as a VPN each mask the IP address, they do not need both to accomplish the same end. If, however, you need to secure the data you transmit and receive, then you need to make use of an VPN.
Let’s examine the specific scenarios in which you need to utilize a proxy or VPN.
When to Use a Proxy vs VPN
A proxy is perfect to browse the internet in privacy and avoiding or enforcing restrictions on content (like blocked content that is geoblocked). A VPN is the best choice for these scenarios , in addition to preventing being tracked by your ISP or another provider, and protecting your sensitive data from hackers.
Let’s look at some specific usage examples below.
When to Use a Proxy
Since proxies work at an application level, which means they can only redirect traffic from a specific browser or app and do not encrypt your data, the best uses for proxy services are:
1. You’d like to get around geo-blocking.
Geo-blocking is the process of restricting access to specific websites based on users geographical position. It is accomplished by using geolocation and tracking technology to detect the IP address of a user. Because a proxy server hides the IP address of the user by using a proxy, it can effectively block geo-blocking, allowing users to gain access to content which might otherwise be unavailable.
2. You’ve got a Web Content policy.
If you are the manager of a business or school, chances are you have a Web Content policy. A proxy could help enforce the policy by blocking specific websites. In particular it will take over outgoing requests made by users of the network, and then block all requests to websites that are prohibited.
3. You’re on a tight budget.
Many proxy services are completely free and top-quality. If you’re looking to add a layer of protection to your device, but you don’t have a lot (or even a) budget you should consider the possibility of using a proxy.
When to Use a VPN
Given that VPNs operate at an operating system level. This means that they redirect your entire traffic and secure that traffic The most suitable scenarios for VPNs are: VPN include:
1. You’re handling sensitive data.
Since VPNs secure every network connection and are perfect to handle sensitive data. The leading players in the industry such as NordVPN assist you in protecting the information from your ISP as well as the apps and websites you visit, as well as the government or other organizations that monitor your information.
2. You’re connected to WiFi.
Imagine you’re in an establishment with wifi available for public use. Instead of using this insecure network, it’s an excellent idea to make use of the VPN. This way, should you need to access your bank account or make an online purchase the information you input will be protected. This makes it harder for hackers to steal your information, or even be capable of reading it.
3. The team you work with is remote.
If your staff is located far away or located in remote locations, it’s a good idea to get an VPN. So employees are able to securely join your system and access at confidential or sensitive information on their personal devices, regardless of how far away they are far from your office.
Deciding Between a Proxy and VPN
Both proxy and VPN offer an extra security layer when surfing the internet. The choice of which is best for your particular device or company depends on your needs and budget, as well as other elements.
The rule of thumbis that If you wish to have your employees’ or your own internet traffic to be secured you should use the VPN. If you are just looking to circumvent or enforce restrictions on content on your employees or for yourself using a proxy server, then it is the best option depending on your requirements and budget.
