What is Proxy Server?
An intermediary server that sits between your device and the internet, forwarding requests on your behalf. Proxies can provide privacy by hiding your IP address, but unlike VPNs, they typically don't encrypt traffic.
Also known as: Web Proxy, Proxy
A proxy server acts as a middleman between you and websites. When you use a proxy, websites see the proxy's IP address instead of yours. But proxies vary wildly in privacy and security.
Types of Proxies
HTTP Proxy
- Only handles HTTP/HTTPS traffic
- Easy to set up
- No encryption added
- Browser-level configuration
SOCKS Proxy
- Protocol-agnostic (any TCP/UDP)
- More versatile than HTTP
- SOCKS5 supports authentication
- Application-level configuration
Transparent Proxy
- No configuration needed
- Often used by ISPs/organizations
- User may not know it exists
- Can intercept and cache
Reverse Proxy
- Sits in front of web servers
- Load balancing, caching
- Hides server infrastructure
- Not for user privacy
Proxy vs VPN
| Feature | Proxy | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Usually none | Full traffic encryption |
| Scope | Per-application | System-wide |
| Speed | Generally faster | Some overhead |
| Privacy | IP hiding only | IP hiding + encryption |
| Setup | Per-app configuration | One connection |
Privacy Considerations
What Proxies Hide
- Your real IP from websites
- Rough location (based on proxy location)
What Proxies DON'T Hide
- Traffic from proxy operator
- Traffic from network observers (without encryption)
- Browser fingerprint
- Account logins
Proxy Anonymity Levels
Transparent
- Identifies itself as proxy
- Forwards your real IP
- No privacy benefit
Anonymous
- Identifies as proxy
- Hides your real IP
- Moderate privacy
Elite/High Anonymity
- Doesn't identify as proxy
- Hides your real IP
- Best privacy
When to Use Proxies
Good For
- Quick IP change
- Bypassing geo-restrictions
- Light privacy needs
- Application-specific needs
Not Recommended For
- Sensitive activities
- Strong anonymity needs
- Protecting from ISP
- Untrusted networks
Related Terms
SOCKS5
The latest version of the SOCKS protocol, which routes network traffic through a proxy server. SOCKS5 supports authentication, UDP traffic, and IPv6, making it more versatile and secure than previous versions or HTTP proxies.
Tor
The Onion Router—a free network that routes your traffic through multiple layers of encrypted relays. No single relay knows both your identity and your destination. Tor enables anonymous browsing, access to .onion sites, and censorship circumvention.
Virtual Private Network
A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. VPNs mask your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, and can make it appear as though you're browsing from a different location.
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