Proxies or VPN?

PROXIES AND VPN

PROXIES and VPN (VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK) are tools that allow one to access the internet anonymously to increase privacy beyond what one would be able to do on their own. But they go about it in a very different way.

While a proxy only affects specific applications, a VPN encrypts all of your network data. However, only a VPN routes your internet traffic over an encrypted tunnel while both mask your IP address. A proxy may be used to browse the internet, whereas a VPN offers more safety and security.

We shall discuss their usage further in this blog and compare them.

WHAT IS A PROXY SERVER?

Proxy servers operate as relays between your device and the website you're browsing. Your communication with the host server passes through a middle-man, a remote machine used to connect you to the host server.

Proxy servers excel at IP masking and misdirection.

Your actual IP address is concealed by the web proxy server so that the website only sees the proxy's IP address (in some cases, the computers of other proxy users are used for this). Proxy servers, on the other hand, divert traffic from the one app with which they were configured; they only function at the application level. They don't encrypt your traffic.

The different types of Proxies are discussed below:

• HTTP PROXIES: These proxies can be used to access websites. This kind of proxy can also be used to access geographically restricted material. Perhaps access to a certain internet video is prohibited in your area. By using a proxy server to access the website hosting the movie, you may conceal the fact that your IP address is blocked from viewing it. Remember that doing this can be against your content provider's user agreement.

• SOCKS5 PROXIES: These proxies function on more than just websites. To access file-sharing websites, online gaming, and video streaming services, utilise a SOCKS5 proxy. However, remember that using a SOCKS5 proxy may result in a slower app connection as free proxies sometimes offer fewer configuration choices, less support, and worse infrastructure.

• TRANSPARENT PROXIES: These are a different kind of proxy because their users are usually unaware of their existence. Employers and parents who wish to keep an eye on their employees' internet activities and restrict access to particular websites might set up these proxies. Businesses or household users set them up to conserve bandwidth, while hotels and cafés use them to authenticate users on public Wi-Fi.

WHAT IS A VPN?

It is a mechanism of employing encryption, authentication and integrity protection so that we can use public networks as private networks. It simulates a private network over a public network. It allows users to remotely access a private network. A VPN client on your computer establishes a secure tunnel with the VPN server, replacing your local ISP routing. VPN connections encrypt and secure your network traffic, not just the HTTP or SOCKS calls from your browser like a proxy server.

HOW DO VPNS AND PROXIES DIFFER?

1. VPNs encrypt your information: Your surfing and any data you send or receive will be encrypted when a VPN is active. It implies that no one, including hackers, governments, companies, or other entities, will be able to observe what you're doing online.
2. Free proxy connections are usually slower: Depending on how many users are using these services, both proxy servers and VPNs might slow down your browsing. However, free proxy connections may be slower and less secure due to less infrastructure, fewer configuration choices, and slower maintenance.
3. Working platforms: Proxies can work on browsers, whereas VPNs can work on firewalls.
4. VPNs are usually costly: Connecting to individual websites, applications, or file-sharing services via a proxy server could be the best course of action if cost is a concern. Free proxy services that will conceal your IP address are simple to discover and affordable. However, VPNs are usually costly due to the increased privacy service.

DO YOU NEED A PROXY WHILE WORKING WITH VPN?

No. Your IP address is hidden by both a VPN and a proxy server. But unlike a proxy server, a VPN will additionally encrypt the data you send and receive. Connecting to a website or app through a proxy server would be superfluous if you are already using a VPN.

CONCLUSION

Proxies and VPNs, although serving a common purpose, might be used differently depending on their usage.

A proxy server or VPN may be used to mask your IP address. A free proxy server will work if you're concerned about surfing speed and simply need to hide your IP address from one website or app.

Connecting to individual websites, applications, or file-sharing services via a proxy server could be the best course of action if cost is a concern. Free proxy services that will conceal your IP address are simple to discover.

The best option is to connect to the internet using a VPN to keep your surfing behaviour concealed from prying eyes. Again, it boils down to encryption: when you're online, VPNs encrypt your data. Not proxy servers.

To access several sites while online, especially if you're connecting to sites such as your bank account or credit card portal, a VPN provides more security.

Regardless both of these are useful resources to work with.

What is BugBase?

BugBase is a curated marketplace for ethical hackers that helps businesses and startups set up bug bounty programs. It is India's first consolidated bug bounty platform, which assists organizations in staying safe by providing an all-in-one platform for continuous and comprehensive security testing.

Through BugBase registering and setting up your organisation’s bug bounty program is no less than a breeze. We also provide hackers and security professionals with the platform to directly get connected with organizations that have set up their bug bounty programs and get rewarded for the risks and vulnerabilities they find.

Thank you for being part of our BugFam! Stay up to date on our latest posts and hope you had a great week!

Join our discord community for regular updates and much more fun!!

Cheers,

BugBase Team