Surely you've heard someone say the word proxy at least once in your life? You have probably wondered what this is for? It is time to correct this gap and especially to see what are the uses of this tool..
The proxy for beginners
Companies have sworn by proxy servers for several years. Besides, some of the internet users use it daily. And yet this computer system remains relatively unknown to the general public.
The proxy server (also called web proxy) is a computer that will act as a filter between your connected equipment (PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or printer) and the Internet network. It acts as a gateway between you and the net. When you open a web page, the proxy will be responsible for retrieving the data and then transmitting it to your device..
It thus protects machines against the risks linked to the Internet. But proxy servers don't just redirect your web browsing. Some servers, especially those installed in companies, have filtering tools that block access to certain types of content.
Why use a proxy?
It is notably used to circumvent censorship and protect its internet access from hackers and tracking systems. You should know that when you make purchases on sites, surf the web or use your social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), all these platforms keep your IP address. As a reminder, this number provided by your internet service provider identifies each machine on the internet. It's a bit like the mailing address of your devices..
Unfortunately, this device can be used by companies and in particular advertising agencies to collect a maximum of data on your connection habits and thus constitute a consumer profile. With the proxy, it is not the IP address of your box or your internet connection that will appear but that of the proxy.
This allows to increase the confidentiality of the exchanges and to surf in an (almost) anonymous way. Your IP address is completely hidden. Websites do not know exactly where you are in the world. You can also use this type of tool to access sites or online content (movies, series, TV shows) reserved for certain countries. Just make sure to find a proxy with an IP address in the desired country. Here is a tutorial for setting up a proxy server on an Android smartphone.
Disadvantages of the proxy server
Only a few years ago, the proxy was used by a minority of Internet users wishing to secure their internet connection. Since then, this service has become widely available. The offer available on the market today covers the needs of most users. But beware, everything is not rosy in the proxy world.
You should be extra careful when choosing your proxy service. You all know the old adage: when it's free, it's you. It is therefore advisable to be careful before subscribing to a 100% free offer.
Beyond the concept of security, we must not forget that all your internet traffic goes through the proxy server. That means he knows everything you do online. The company managing this service can, if it wishes, record all your web requests, or even resell your browsing history to third-party companies.
You should therefore carefully read the terms of use and check the privacy policy implemented by the owner of the proxy server. According to several studies, free services tend to collect details about the navigation (IP address, site visited) on their customers. Unfortunately in life nothing is ever for free. Tell yourself, that you will pay for your access to the proxy server in one way or another.
Encryption for absent subscribers
The proxy server is placed between your machine and the internet. So in the event of an attack, the server and not your computer will be targeted. Likewise, it assigns a different IP address to your device so as not to be recognized on the internet or to circumvent the restrictions put in place by government sites and organizations.
But beware, the vast majority of users forget something important. Unlike VPN, the information sent and received from your station is not encrypted. If you use a proxy server while you are connected to a free hotspot (restaurants, train station, hotel), you are not protected. Hackers can recover your login data.