Blog
What are Proxies and How do They Help with Cybersecurity

What are Proxies and How do They Help with Cybersecurity

Reviewed by
Find out what proxies are, why they're used in cyber security, and how to use them.
Table of Contents
Find out what proxies are, why they're used in cyber security, and how to use them.

Key Takeaways

__A proxy is a server that acts as an interface between a client and another server. Proxies are used for various reasons, including hiding the user's actual IP address, bypassing geo-restrictions, and improving security. __In the context of cybersecurity, proxies can help protect against attacks such as denial of service (DoS) attacks by hiding the user's IP address and making it more difficult for the attacker to target them.

There are a few different types of proxies that can be used, each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to choose the right one for your needs.

Web proxies:

These proxies are web-based and are often used to bypass firewalls or filter content. However, they can also be used to collect data about a user's browsing habits. When a user sends a request to a website, the web proxy forwards the request to the website and then returns the response to the user.

Advantages:

Web proxies are generally easy to set up and use, and they don't require any additional software or configuration.

Run a free security scan in a few clicks

Guardio is a Chrome extension that monitors suspicious activity and blocks hackers from stealing your data.

{{component-cta-custom}}

Guardio Keeps You Safe on the Web

screen rec speed

Over one million people use Guardio to keep themselves safe as they browse the web. It’s rated “Excellent” on TrustPilot with 4.5 stars from 1,552 reviews.

Disadvantages:

Web proxies only encrypt the traffic between the user and the proxy server, so the traffic is not encrypted end-to-end. Additionally, web proxies may not be able to access all websites or content.

Application proxies:

Application proxies, also known as gateway proxies, intercept and inspect traffic at the application layer. These proxies can be used to monitor and control the traffic passing through them and can be used to block certain types of content or applications.

Advantages:

Application proxies can provide a high level of security, as they can inspect and filter traffic at the application layer. Additionally, they can be used to block malicious or unwanted traffic before it reaches the client.

Disadvantages:

Application proxies require more configuration and setup than web proxies and may not be able to intercept all types of traffic.

SOCKS proxies:

SOCKS proxies are used to tunnel traffic between a client and a server. This type of proxy encrypts the traffic between the user and the proxy server, making it more difficult for attackers to snoop on the traffic.

Advantages:

SOCKS proxies can provide a higher level of security than web proxies, as they encrypt the traffic between the user and the proxy server. Additionally, SOCKS proxies can be used to access blocked content or bypass restrictions, and improve security.

Disadvantages:

SOCKS proxies require additional software installed on the client and may not be compatible with all applications.

VPNs:

VPNs are a type of proxy that encrypts all traffic between a user and the VPN server. VPNs are often used to access blocked content, bypass restrictions, and improve security. This makes it more difficult for attackers to eavesdrop on the traffic or collect data.

Advantages:

VPNs can provide a high level of security, as they encrypt all traffic between the user and the VPN server.

Disadvantages:

VPNs require additional software to be installed on the client and may not be compatible with all applications.

Proxies can be a valuable tool for enhancing security and privacy, but they are not a perfect solution.

Proxies can slow down internet speeds, and attackers can bypass some types of proxies (such as web proxies).

Additionally, proxies do not protect against all types of attacks, so it's important to use other security measures.

{{component-cta-custom}}

CMS-based CTA:
Clean up your browser and prevent future scams
Protect yourself from money scams & other online threats, begin with a free scan.
Add Guardio to BrowserTake Security Quiz
Default CTA:
Smart protection, built for how you live online
Stay ahead of threats with real-time insights and proactive protection.
Add Guardio to BrowserTake Security Quiz
CMS-based "Did you know?" block
Did you know?
Default "Did you know?" block
Did you know?

Make sure you have a personal safety plan in place. If you believe someone is stalking you online and may be putting you at risk of harm, don’t remove suspicious apps or confront the stalker without a plan. The Coalition Against Stalkerware provides a list of resources for anyone dealing with online stalking, monitoring, and harassment.

Guardio Security Team
Guardio’s Security Team researches and exposes cyber threats, keeping millions of users safe online. Their findings have been featured by Fox News, The Washington Post, Bleeping Computer, and The Hacker News, making the web safer — one threat at a time.
Tips from the expert

Related articles

FAQs

No items found.
Table of Contents
Can You Spot a Scam Text Message?
Test your skills and learn how to protect yourself from online scams.
Take the quiz now
Can You Spot a Scam Text Message?
Test your skills and learn how to protect yourself from online scams.
Take the quiz now