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VPN vs Proxy Server: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Security Solution

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The internet has become an integral part of modern life. We use it to communicate, shop, and browse across the web. However, with all of this activity, we must be aware of potential threats to our online security. One way to protect yourself is by using a virtual private network (VPN) or a proxy server. But what’s the difference between these two technologies? How do you decide which one is right for you?

In this article, we will explain the differences between VPNs and proxy servers so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your online security needs.

What is a VPN?

VPN is an abbreviation for a virtual private network. A VPN functions at the device's operating system levels. This implies that they reroute all of your traffic, regardless of whether it is originating from your device's browser or any application. VPN also encrypts the internet communication between your device and the web. This online encryption also shields you from website monitoring, government monitoring, as well as cybercriminals who may attempt to snoop on your device.

Pros of using VPN services:

Here are the pros of VPN services:

1. Data security:

VPN encrypts your traffic, making it impossible for others to see what you're doing online. Premium VPN companies utilise cutting-edge encryption techniques to give superior security and privacy on the internet.

2. Online privacy:

When you deploy a VPN, your data will be routed via the VPN server that has its own address. Sites with which you interact will see the VPN's IP address rather than your own.

3. Prevents bandwidth throttling:

When clients visit specified websites or utilise specific services, several ISPs restrict their consumers' bandwidth. This is known as the bandwidth limit. Encrypting your traffic hides your activity from the provider, allowing them to no longer restrict your bandwidth.

4. DDoS protection:

A VPN may greatly improve your playing experience. It defends your network from DDoS assaults and might help you avoid arbitrary IP restrictions.

5. Remote protection:

Using a remote connection to access corporate networks exposes valuable company data as well as consumer information to theft. A VPN service is extremely important for enterprises and corporations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, with more individuals working online than ever before.

Cons of using VPN services:

Here are the cons of VPN services:

1. Slow connection

The encryption procedure, as well as relaying your communication through faraway servers, might cause your internet connection to slow down. Paid VPN connections, on the other hand, generally feature fast protocols as well as powerful infrastructure, so performance loss is rarely apparent.

2. Insecure connection

Free VPNs are frequently hazardous and cause more harm than benefit. Because they are free, it is probable that they finance their activities by other means. This can include collecting your information and distributing it to third-party websites, as well as bombarding you with advertisements.

3. Costs of subscription

Free VPNs usually have bad encryption levels, which do not offer the highest level of security online. Therefore, many users have to switch to paid versions of VPN connections to ensure data privacy and reliable surfing speeds.

4. Incompatible

While most common products and software platforms are VPN-compatible, there are notable exceptions, particularly with smart home appliances. Some TVs and gaming devices will not allow you to install a VPN connection.

Also Read: What is Cyber Hygiene? How We Can Achieve It

What is meant by a Proxy?

Whenever you browse the web, your device usually connects to an online website and starts downloading webpages for you to view. This is a simple procedure. However, when you utilise a proxy server, the device routes all web traffic through the proxy instead. The proxy sends your query to the destination website, collects the data, and returns it to you.

In this way, proxy servers enable users to circumvent content restrictions as well as surveillance by concealing IP addresses.

Pros of enabling a Proxy server:

Here are the pros of proxy servers:

1. Controlled internet access:

A proxy server is useful for concerned parents and company owners that emphasise efficiency. Proxy servers may monitor users' network access. You may set them to block sites that include content you deem improper for children or employees who are easily sidetracked.

2. Data privacy:

To protect your personal data, a proxy server conceals your current IP address as well as other personal factors. So, if the site you connect to via a proxy server saves your IP address or connection details, they will not have access to your personal computer data.

3. Fast surfing speeds:

Instead of retransmitting the site every time someone visits it, the proxy may readily get it from cache storage if several users often visit the same site. In such circumstances, proxy minimises bandwidth use while increasing internet surfing speed.

4. Free servers:

While there are multiple paid proxy servers available for use, there are multiple free proxy servers that can help you with basic traffic rerouting and other data protection services.

Also Read: Logical Ways to Protect Your Data

Cons of enabling a Proxy server:

Here are the cons of proxy servers:

1. Tracking concern:

All your confidential information, such as private data, can be saved in the proxy cache. This will not be a problem if nobody from outside sources takes them. However, the problem might be caused by the proxy directly. There is a risk that employees working on the proxy may attempt to get these data.

2. Incompatible:

Proxy servers and your local area network may not operate flawlessly together. The web as well as the proxy server each has its own set of settings. In such cases, if you want to utilise the proxy network in your particular location network, you must setup it up appropriately or select the perfectly compatible proxy for your network.

3. Difficult configuration:

The proxy configurations are pre-programmed to achieve a shared goal. Nevertheless, trying to set up a proxy may be difficult. The proxy must function properly, protecting your personal information from hackers and leaving no susceptible places.

What are the differences between VPN and proxy servers?

Here is the difference between proxies and VPN:

Particulars	VPN Server	Proxy Server
Level of activity	Operating system level	Application level
Costs	Free versions are usually slow and do not offer the highest level of encryption. Therefore, many prefer paid versions	Most proxy servers are free
Data encryption	Available	Not available
Traffic logging	Most paid VPNs do not log traffic	Usually, traffic logging is seen in free proxy servers

Types of proxies

Here are the types of proxies available:

1. HTTP proxies:

This is one of the most commonly used types of proxy servers. These proxies are used for web-based traffic. The user needs to plug the server into their browser or use a browser extension and their online traffic will be rerouted by this proxy.

2. SOCKS5 proxies:

These proxies are usually slower than HTTP proxies but they can be used to access sites which offer file sharing, video streaming, online games and similar services.

3. Transparent proxies:

These proxies are used to filter or block users’ content while browsing the internet.

What should you use, a VPN network or a proxy server?

If you wish to only mask your IP address when browsing online, you may do so by using either a VPN network or a proxy server. Now, if you're merely concerned about surfing speed that is you do not want to reduce your browsing speed, using a free proxy should suffice. Now, if you wish to keep your surfing behaviour concealed from others, however, utilising the internet via VPNs should be a preferable alternative. This is due to encryption. VPNs can encrypt your information while you are online, but proxy servers cannot. This is significant since a VPN increases security when performing activities such as shopping or using online banking services.

Do you need both a virtual private network and a proxy server?

If you are using a virtual private network, you do not need a proxy server. However, in the opposite case, if you are using a proxy server, you can get a virtual private network service to encrypt your data online.

Conclusion

While proxy servers and VPNs both serve to anonymise your Internet connection, they provide a few key differences. The choice between them comes down to how you want to use the service—and perhaps more importantly, your level of comfort with technology. When browning online, it is important to have cybersecurity insurance in India. Good cyber insurance can protect you from the dangers of online hackers and cybercriminals.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

 

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