Cybersecurity threats constantly multiply, with hackers finding new ways to steal and misuse personal and sensitive data. Many still rely on familiar tactics like phishing emails and malicious files, while others use sophisticated methods to breach network defenses and cost victims millions of dollars.
The latest cybersecurity statistics show that companies faced 50% more weekly cyberattack attempts in 2021 than in 2020. A more alarming fact is that cybercriminals can breach 93% of corporate networks. It takes them approximately two days, primarily using credentials.
Whether you’re an individual or a company owner, safeguarding your network with multiple protection layers is paramount to keep intruders at bay. Proxies are some of the best tools to keep in your arsenal.
Here’s what a proxy server is and how to use it to secure your network.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is an application that reroutes traffic through its server network. It sends HTTP requests on your behalf, standing between your browser and the destination website’s hosting server.
The target server relays the requested HTML file, enabling your browser to render it and let you interact with the website. That happens every time you visit a site, but using a proxy as an intermediary keeps you anonymous online.
The destination server can’t detect your device, meaning potential hackers can’t either. They can’t breach your network defenses because they can’t see your online activity, network ID, or host ID.
How proxies can secure corporate and personal networks
Understanding how proxies work gives you an idea of their ability to secure corporate and personal networks, but let’s dig deeper into their essential capabilities.
Hiding IP addresses
Since a proxy sends HTTP requests from its servers, it uses their IP addresses. That conceals yours, preventing potential cybercriminals from targeting you.
Proxy service providers have extensive server networks, offering IP address pools that virtually put you in a different location.
Most companies opt for proxies with residential IP addresses because they minimize the risk of IP bans and blocks, which is beneficial when using web scraping for market research and SEO monitoring.
“How to hide IP address with a proxy?”, you might ask. Once you choose and set up the desired service, select a server to establish a connection, and you’ll be good to go.
Filtering incoming traffic
Besides routing outgoing traffic, proxies can monitor and filter incoming requests on a local network to prevent unauthorized users from accessing it.
That’s an excellent addition to your firewall and antivirus software, making for a robust line of defense that keeps external connections outside the perimeter.
For instance, a proxy can prevent DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks and check emails for malicious links, flagging and blocking them to keep your network and devices safe.
Protecting remotely connected devices
Many companies require employees to use proxies to safeguard the devices they use to connect to the corporate network. It takes one compromised device, username, or password to access and wreak havoc on the entire system.
Proxies help establish a secure internet connection, preventing remote workers from becoming the weakest links in their company’s security system.
The same goes for executives accessing the corporate network from home or during business trips and individuals retrieving home computer data while traveling.
Restricting employee internet usage
Employees are often careless when visiting websites from an internal corporate network, failing to consider the consequences of clicking on malicious links.
Companies can use a proxy server to restrict internet usage and secure the internal network. Monitoring the traffic and connected devices helps prevent potential data breaches and leaks.
Are proxies better than VPNs for securing your network?
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and proxies work similarly. Both route your traffic through a remote server, preventing unauthorized users from intercepting your data packets. However, their encryption, security, speed, and anonymity levels differ.
VPNs provide end-to-end encryption, routing your traffic through a secure tunnel that makes viewing your data impossible even if someone accesses it. Free proxy servers don’t offer this benefit, but many paid proxies do. That’s why we recommend a premium proxy on par with VPNs.
Proxies are the winners regarding anonymity, providing multiple IP addresses to hide yours and protect against cyberattacks. Residential proxies might be the best for that purpose.
SOCKS5, HTTPS, shared, and rotating proxies also provide high security. Reverse proxy servers can prevent DDoS attacks, while SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) proxies are ideal for detecting malicious emails.
Proxy applications go beyond network protection. They ensure significantly faster internet connections, helping you save bandwidth, accelerate data transfers, and enjoy minimal latency. They’re also ideal for web scraping operations to improve and scale your business.
Conclusion
A proxy server can be a fantastic addition to your cybersecurity toolbox. It offers excellent protection to individuals wondering how to hide an IP address from potential hackers and companies looking to safeguard sensitive business data.
Remember that paid proxies are your go-to solutions because their free counterparts don’t offer encryption and may contain malware.
