# What is a proxy server?
What is a proxy server and how does it work? You will find the answer through this article.
# What is a proxy server?
Proxy, also known as network proxy, is a special type of network service that allows a network terminal (usually a client) to make indirect connections with another network terminal (usually a server) through this service. Some network devices such as gateways and routers have network proxy functions. It is generally believed that proxy services are beneficial for safeguarding the privacy or security of network terminals to prevent attacks.
# How does the proxy server work?
If you don't delve into technical details, then the working principle of the agent is very simple. As I mentioned in the definition, a proxy is a server that serves as a gateway between you and the Internet. Why do we need them? Although there are many reasons, the main one can be attributed to data security.
When you don't use a proxy, the requests you send to the website will go directly to the website. However, when you use a proxy, the situation is different. When you send a request, it first goes to the proxy server, which modifies it (if you need to replace your real IP address with another IP address), and then sends the request to your requesting website. Afterwards, the response is sent to the agent, who then returns the response to you.
When you don't use a proxy, the requests you send to the website will go directly to the website. However, when you use a proxy, the situation is different. When you send a request, it first goes to the proxy server, which modifies it (replaces your real IP address with another IP address), and then sends the request to your requesting website. Afterwards, the response is sent to the agent, who then returns the response to you.
With this setup and proxy operation mode, your computer can completely block and hide the website you are visiting because your computer is not sending requests to it.
Agents allow you to access the Internet from locations you have not previously accessed and access their local data. Although it has many benefits, there is no doubt that it also has its own shortcomings. Because proxy servers can access the information sent through them, they can in turn change the data and, in some cases, become a model for Internet censorship.
# The role of agency
A proxy server is an encrypted anonymous proxy that not only changes your IP address, but also encrypts internet browsing sessions to ensure your security and is protected by SSL. Let's learn about its application function together below!
# Personal use of agents
◾ Protect your online personal privacy information ◾ Invisible to search engines ◾ Block your location information based on proxy servers ◾ More secure online shopping and banking services ◾ Stop tracking from your ISP
# Commercial agents
◾ Anonymous research competitors
Your competitors know when you will visit their website. Even worse, based on your IP address, they can even send you to a virtual website, leaving you unaware of the products they offer. By using a private proxy (an anonymous proxy), you can ensure that you see your competitors knowing they cannot see you.
◾ Bypassing publishing restrictions
When you reach the publishing limit on the website, they will use your IP address and cookies to block you. Bypassing website restrictions through private agents. By using a randomly rotated IP address, you will receive a new IP address every thirty minutes so that you can continue publishing.
◾ Anonymously disclose your website
When posting information on a website, you can be anonymous, so that you can make your website public like a public user, rather than the actual company. Private proxy servers will mask your company's IP address, so websites and users do not know where you are from.
◾ Unblock from websites that prohibit you from accessing
The company restricts your access to its website by combining tracking cookies with your IP address. By using a dedicated agent, you can choose your location and have the dedicated agent complete the rest of the work. It randomly changes your IP address every 30 minutes, making it difficult for the website to block you.
# Traveler's agent
◾ Protect your wireless activity while browsing the Internet
Every time you connect to the Internet through a hotspot or public WiFi, people near you can see all your internet surfing. Using simple, sometimes free packet sniffing software, criminals can see all the content you transmit over WiFi connections. By using dedicated proxies, Internet browsing can be protected by establishing a secure tunnel. A dedicated proxy uses an anonymous proxy, which is a secure tunnel that encrypts all your browser traffic and therefore will not be intercepted or read.
◾ Prevent criminals from blocking your Internet surfing
When you connect through public WiFi, you may actually be connecting to a fraudulent hotspot. These hotspots are known as evil twins, routing all your traffic through their connections, allowing them to record all your internet communication. With the secure tunnel of Private Proxy, you can directly drive the connection by protecting all your internet browsing evil twins.
◾ Secure connection to browser from hotel room
When you accept the terms and conditions of the hotel, they usually warn you that the connection is not secure. Using a private proxy, you can protect any browser session with just one click. The secure tunnel of a private proxy can protect your browsing data, so no one can intercept and read it.
◾ Browsing from airports, hotspots, and unsafe cybersecurity
Whether you are using the free wireless network provided by the airport or logging in at your favorite caf é, surfing the internet is not safe. Even if you connect your laptop to someone else's network as a visitor, you cannot determine who is monitoring your connection. Use a dedicated proxy to protect any browser session with just one click. Our secure tunnel can protect your browsing, so no one can intercept your connection and monitor you!
# Disadvantages of Agents
Although proxy servers have brought us a lot of convenience, they do have their own negative impacts.
Firstly, there is a caching data storage system, which is adopted by most proxy service providers. It is undeniable that this feature greatly facilitates content search from the Internet and other external sources, but the drawback of this system is that the proxy server may not be able to distinguish between the content you store and the content you want to save. Therefore, your password and other private data will also be stored on the server.
We also learned that proxies use SSL encryption to maintain anonymity. However, any hacker proficient in this language can easily invade web pages (actually proxy servers) and gain access to all of your personal data.
In addition, there are also some malicious or damaged agents that return unwanted results to you, but instead load malicious software and harmful data into your computer. In addition to depriving you of appropriate information, this may also seriously damage your server.
Finally, there are certain ethical issues with the use of proxies. Proxy is used to access blocked or inaccessible websites, which may be pornographic or profitable websites attempting to deceive the public. But in this case, proxy servers themselves should not be blamed, but it should depend on how individuals choose to use them.
# Conclusion
Therefore, we can see that proxy servers are excellent in conducting research-based activities, allowing people to easily bypass firewalls and other obstacles that prevent them from accessing the required resources. However, the negative impact of these agents cannot be ignored. But it can be said with certainty that targeting all the positive factors they provide is very useful. After reading this article, you will have a good understanding of what you may need to look for when using or installing a proxy server.