A proxy server is also termed a proxy. In technical terms, it’s a gateway to the network. Network users connect to the proxy server to access resources like the Internet, webpages, and any resources present on the server.
A Proxy is a mediator between the user[client] and server.
Why do we need a web proxy?
Proxy Servers are an intermediate between a computer having a private IP address and some other servers present on the Internet.
In addition, Proxy servers have their public IP address. Can use the public IP address of proxy for various business functions regarding customer experience and security.
Essential functions of a proxy server
The proxy server uses its IP, and the Proxy server holds the ability to alter the user request and response that is coming from the server.
The user request filter happens on the base of the requested IP, as all user connects to the proxy server directly. Every user request passes thru the proxy server filtration process.
A proxy server holds specific filtration rules. Any request that violates proxy laws will be altered or forbidden for the response.
If any request violates the rules, the server will not receive communication from the proxy, and the proxy decides to send the response back to the user for unauthorized or illegal access.
What is the Importance of a Proxy server?
There are multiple benefits of using a proxy server, and network speed is the main reason. You can access the resources faster proxy server makes the browsing speed faster through caching. And the other main reason is security and privacy.
More extensive networks, organization infra networks, or home networks must be secured for unauthorized access and security.
A proxy server makes the network secure network. A proxy acts as an application gateway to the web, and all the network requests will pass through this gateway.
The other benefit of using a proxy server is that it hides the user from the outside network. It’s a gateway to inside and outside networks. As the proxy server will be at the forefront of the user, the user network id will be anonymous. Thus protecting your IP while accessing outside the network. Access websites that ISP filters
Some schools, Colleges, and even organizations will allow only certain authorized sites; you can bypass these settings by pointing to another proxy.
Benefits of a web Proxy
Some of the benefits of a web proxy include:
- Improving security
- Benefits regarding privacy
- Speeding up services on the Internet
- Implementing access control on bandwidth
- Controlling the internet usage of children as well as employees
- Accessing blocked websites quickly.
The architecture of a web proxy?
As mentioned in the above image, the client is trying to access a site on the Internet. But, the firewall set up by offices or schools will block the entry by sending restricted warnings or access denied to the client.
So this way, the web proxy becomes useful, bypassing the rule of a firewall and helping the user access the website quickly.
The above image shows that the proxy server is a medium between the computer and the Internet. The proxy server will continue diversifying the firewall pretending that the connection is requested from some different user or IP address.
For example, if any website you want to access is only permitted for Australians, then you need an Australian proxy server to use the pages.
What to Look for in an Anonymous Proxy Site
While choosing which proxy to use, you must look for a reputed brand name and one that can perform satisfactorily.
Moreover, the proxies through anonymous sites run slower than usual websites’ browsing sessions. It is all due to the additional transformation overhead implicated in using the proxy server.
Are proxies and VPNs the same?
The proxies and VAN (Visual private network) are not the same. They usually work differently from each other. The proxies can only handle web traffic running through the browser.
On the other hand, the VPN needs proper setup for the whole device, including programs and web traffic on the browser.
Also, the VPNs can connect you to the server automatically when you start your computer. Whereas the proxies have no intelligence and are not always on, they only work with web browsing sessions.
Proxy servers as Load balancers
Proxy servers can also be used as a load balancer, which means that the network load on the servers can be redirected to a different server based on the load balancing technic.
Here is the list of popular and best online proxy servers you can use
9 Best Free Web Proxy List For Your Web Security
#1. Proxysite.com
Proxysite.com is the best site for the proxy if you are accessing websites related to social media. It usually supports Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and many more.
Proxysite allows you to operate multiple proxies by accessing different countries simultaneously. It ensures web browsing security, including secure socket layer encryption.
#2. Hide My Ass
HideMyAss is the best choice for a personal website. It generally offers both the services of VPN as well as free proxies all over the world. It is a very fast, secure, and flexible proxy site. It is the best way to access content worldwide.
Hidester
Hidester is a very reliable proxy site available nowadays. This proxy is only for some limited locations, as you can only get a proxy server from Europe and the United States. It supports SSL encryption, protecting your computer from malicious and harmful scripts.
#3. KProxy
KProxy has its Chrome extension as well as Firefox. They usually offer unlimited downloads and access to first-rate servers without any ads. KProxy helps hide the top menu, thus making it unique from others. It allows you to switch between 10 servers. This switching provides access to blocked sites by changing their IP address.
#4. Mega Proxy
MegaProxy is different from other proxies. It hides the IP address and chokes the operating system and browser. It masks access to the last visit by hiding HTTP information. In this way, no one can hack the website easily.
#5. Whoer.net
Whoer.net will change your IP address rapidly for easy access. In addition, it provides a ping test that lets you determine the server’s reaction time. It offers different servers from different countries.
#6. VPN Book
VPNBook is an anonymous proxy site that helps encrypt connections with various IP addresses. It provides free PPTP, Open VPN services, no bandwidth limit, and unlimited website access. It can easily access any website by simply typing its URL.
#7. Zend 2
Zend2 is also a powerful proxy site for YouTube videos and other social media sites such as eBay, Twitter, Buzzfeed, Instagram, and Facebook. It hides the IP address to provide safety to the clients.
#8. Proxy Proxy
The CroxyProxy is generally used for streaming audio as well as video. It is used for various liking and comments on videos. Without downloading any extra software, it permits you to use YouTube anonymously.
#9. Hide. me
The server of Hide.me does not save any IP address and data permanently. As its name says, it will hide you. It provides useful features such as encrypting URLs, no ads, and blocking harmful scripts.
Let’s take discuss the questionnaire
.Are proxy servers safe to use for online transactions?
We know that a proxy server caches web pages. What if the data is sensitive information?
Proxy filters each request that passes through, which means that the proxy administrator has all access to your banking details and if hackers gain access to the proxy, then?
A proxy can not decrypt the cached pages. Mostly, all sensitive data is passed on SSL secured socket connection, so all the data will be encrypted. You have to ensure that no sensitive data will be transferred without a secured connection.
However, If you are a proxy administrator, you should verify the cache settings, monitor its cache, and ensure that it is not caching any sensitive information.
If you want to restrict caching of a page, you can set up the pages with this HTML meta tag. This tag is available in HTTP version 1.1
<META HTTP-EQUIV=” Cache-Control” CONTENT=” no-cache”>
Proxy to unblock restricted sites
Unblock.org is a free proxy site that allows you to unblock the blocked sites within your network or if you want to visit the sites. You can unblock sites like Facebook, youtube in any areas that are blocked in your server proxy.
Using unblock.org’s free unblock proxy server, you can unblock any site with your android and iPhone devices. You can use any unblock proxy to bypass your college or school firewalls to access yours.
