What is a proxy list?

Due to the large amount of data stored about our behaviors, such as interests, purchases, searches, etc., privacy and security in our online activities are in the spotlight.

That's why proxy lists are increasingly used to protect our online browsing.

Proxy servers

A proxy server is a device or system that acts as an intermediary between the client and the destination server, managing and filtering the data traffic that passes between them. By acting as an intermediary, the proxy server adds an extra layer of security and anonymity to the data it receives.

From the user's perspective, when they visit a website, they do not establish a direct connection with their browser; instead, the data passes through the proxy and then reaches the browser. The browser only sees the proxy server's IP address, so the user's connection remains private.

What are the uses of a proxy list?

A proxy list has several applications in various areas related to networking and privacy.

Anonymity. As mentioned earlier, proxies can hide a user's original IP address, providing anonymity and allowing them to browse without revealing their true location or identity.

Access to blocked content. Many websites and services are restricted in certain geographical areas. With a proxy list, you can access that content by choosing a proxy located in a permitted region.

Content filtering. Some companies or institutions use proxy lists to filter inappropriate or unwanted content by blocking specific websites.

Types of proxies

Open proxy

This type of proxy can be used by any internet user without the need for authentication. It is commonly used to bypass geographic restrictions or access blocked content. Its access is easy and free, but it is also insecure and slow.

Reverse proxy

The reverse proxy is used to redirect client requests to various servers. Instead of acting as a direct intermediary, it functions as a destination server for those requests.

It is frequently employed to optimize performance and balance the load among different servers. Additionally, it can enhance security by hiding the IP addresses of the servers.

Web proxy

A web proxy is used to access content on the web. This type of proxy caches some resources from the server, which helps improve the loading speed of pages. Additionally, it allows for managing and restricting access to certain Internet services through the HTTP protocol.

NAP proxy

A NAP (Network Access Point) proxy is a type of proxy server that acts as an intermediary in a network to facilitate access to the internet or other network services. These proxies are typically found in large interconnection centers, known as Network Access Points (NAPs), where various networks connect to exchange data traffic among themselves.

Differences between a VPN and a proxy server

Although they may seem to serve the same purpose, VPNs and proxy lists operate differently. The goal of a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is to create a secure connection between a device and a remote server, encrypting the information shared. A VPN operates at the operating system level, acting on all traffic, whether it comes from the browser or an application.

The main difference between a VPN and a proxy server is that VPNs encrypt all information regarding the user's browsing activity. Therefore, while engaging in online activities, using a VPN can prevent sensitive information such as personal data, banking details, or access credentials from being stolen.

Proxy servers are very useful when we want to protect our internet browsing; however, there are other, more efficient ways to safeguard our browsing and information, such as VPNs.