Proxy Server

Proxy Server Definition

A proxy server is a router that provides a gateway between users and the internet. It prevents cyber attackers from entering a private network. It acts as an intermediary between end users and web servers’ pages they visit online.

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How a Proxy Works

Because a proxy server has its own IP address, it acts as a go-between for a computer and the internet. Your computer knows this address, and when you send a request on the internet, it is routed to the proxy, which then gets the response from the web server and forwards the data from the page to your computer’s browser.

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How to get Proxy

There are hardware and software versions. Hardware connections sit between your network and the internet, where they get, send, and forward data from the web.

Software proxies are typically hosted by a provider or reside in the cloud. You download and install an application on your computer that facilitates interaction with the proxy. Often, a software proxy can be obtained for a monthly fee. Sometimes, they are free.?

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Benefits of a Proxy Server

Proxies come with several benefits that can give your business an advantage:

1. Enhanced security: Can act like a firewall between your systems and the internet. Without them, hackers have easy access to your IP address, which they can use to infiltrate your computer or network.
2. Private browsing, watching, listening, and shopping:?Use different proxies to help you avoid getting inundated with unwanted ads or the collection of IP-specific data. With a proxy, site browsing is well-protected and impossible to track.
3. Access to location-specific content: You can designate a proxy server with an address associated with another country. You can, in effect, make it look like you are in that country and gain full access to all the content computers in that country are allowed to interact with. For example, the technology can allow you to open location-restricted websites by using local IP addresses of the location you want to appear to be in.?
4. Prevent employees from browsing inappropriate or distracting sites: You can use it to block access to websites that run contrary to your organization’s principles. Also, you can block sites that typically end up distracting employees from important tasks. Some organizations block social media sites like Facebook and others to remove time-wasting temptations.

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