Are you aware of the dangers of the internet? Are you worried about your privacy or internet footprint?
The internet is a breeding place for all types of cyber crimes. Moreover, some sites sell private data collected from individuals using the internet. It makes sense to want to be safe. However, deciding on a method of protection is either difficult or expensive.
Luckily there are systems in place to help protect you from internet monsters. Several providers offer security features to internet users. VPNs and proxy servers are the most common security measures available. Both options hide your IP address and make your visits to websites anonymous.
What Are VPNs?
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are popular for internet users. These networks help individuals keep their identities hidden by extending a private network over public platforms. VPNs not only hide your IP address but also direct all network traffic through an encrypted server. Therefore, VPNs are usable on more than one device and website. Let’s discuss a few VPN features.
- Encryption
One of the most defining features of VPNs is the encoding of information. This encryption gives the user security over the data they share on the internet. Moreover, VPNs encrypt web traffic, making users anonymous as they surf the internet.
- Support for Multiple Devices
One of the main differences between VPNs and proxies is that the former supports multiple devices. VPNs are utilizable on more than one website and various devices. One VPN plan, therefore, covers all your devices and IoT gadgets.
- Customer Support
A good VPN provider offers good customer support 24/7. Customer service would help promote peace of mind when surfing the internet.
- No-Log Policies
An effective VPN protects the user’s online activities, as it does not store data, including sensitive personal information such as credit card details following a payment.
- OS Support
New-age devices have the latest OS installed and do not require this feature. This state of affairs is not the same for older devices such as Linux computers. VPNs offer OS support for these gadgets, enhancing their performance.
- Leak Protection
VPNs protect users by hiding their original IP addresses. In addition, any data sent through the encrypted VPN network is inaccessible to outside parties. Effective VPNs encrypt users’ internet connections and secure their traffic through private tunnels that hide browsing history.
Due to the encryption feature, VPNs should be leakproof. For this reason, it is crucial to research credible VPN providers before picking one. Research shows that some services leak client information to large corporations for marketing purposes or even fraudulent reasons.
What Is a Proxy Server?
Proxy servers offer a variety of ways to protect users from the dangers of the internet. Proxy servers connect your devices to the websites you visit. An effective proxy relays the traffic generated from an interaction with a website. It works with a specific application or website at a time. Unfortunately, a proxy will not encrypt traffic.
The three main types of proxy servers include;
- HTTP Servers
HTTP servers cater exclusively to web pages. These types of servers utilize HTTPS control over SSL. Therefore, setting up an HTTP server on a browser means that all traffic will reroute through the server while the user is browsing.
- Transparent Proxies
Transparent proxies exist without the user’s knowledge. The servers are utilized mainly by a monitoring authority, such as an employer or a parent, to monitor traffic or data, either for employees or minors. It is also possible for the monitoring party to block the users from accessing certain websites.
- SOCKS Proxy Servers
SOCKS servers offer alternative IP addresses to their users for web browsing. These servers are not limited to web traffic. However, like HTTP proxies, they only work on one application at a time. Compared to HTTP servers, SOCKS proxies do not offer standard tunnel encryption. However, they are more flexible to deploy and are not bound to any network protocols. Consequently, SOCKS proxies have a higher demand, which results in them being slower than HTTP serves as they usually have a higher load.
VPNs or Proxies
On the one hand, VPNs offer all-around protection against data theft or malware. VPNs, therefore, ensure your operational data is inaccessible and not liable to misuse by unscrupulous internet users. VPNs also enhance the privacy of user information, even from the internet provider.
However, both VPNs and proxies have beneficial qualities for internet users. The two components can work together to solidify security from the numerous dangers of the internet. Moreover, the two security measures are not mutually exclusive and can work in harmony. A user is, therefore, more secure after installing both tools.
Using the two promotes interface security, maximum productivity, and access control. Most importantly, ensure you research the different VPN or proxy providers before committing to ensure your data is safe.