What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is a software system or a computer that is the middleman in between two points, usually a website and an end-use client.
Why are proxy servers important?
Proxy servers can protect your identity when you need security or privacy online. They can also help keep your network from being breached by outside hackers.
How do hackers use proxy servers?
Hackers can use proxy servers to reroute a website to their own website. As a result, information can be stolen and the original website’s rankings can go down. Hackers’ motivations are usually money related but sometimes it is simple mean mischief.
Why do you need anonymity online?
Being anonymous on the internet not only protects your identity from identity thieves, but it will also let you look at whatever content you want without having you be identified.
How does the proxy server work?
The proxy server uses its own IP address when it looks for content instead of yours, so the website that is tracking visitors will not have your IP address, but the proxy’s IP address.
What is a forward proxy?
A forward proxy is used to get internet information from the web and deliver it back to the user.
What is a reverse proxy?
A reverse proxy faces inward instead of outward like a forward proxy. They will protect access on a private network, keeping out anyone trying to get on the network.
What is a tunneling proxy?
A tunneling or gateway proxy passes requests and answers unmodified, so it is just a computer middleman.
What does DNS mean?
DNS stands for “Domain Name Server.” The DNS proxy server will take the requests from a local server and send them to a DNS server.
What is a CGI proxy?
CGI stands for “Common Gateway Interface.” A CGI proxy will take the URLs from the user’s browser and process them and return the requested information back to the user.
Do I have to use a proxy?
You are using a proxy whether you realize it or not. It is just how the internet works. Your computer has to go through a proxy in order to get the information that is available online. You are never connecting directly to the server that is hosting a website. The proxies will sort the information they need and shoot you in the correct direction. You have no control over the proxies, at least not as an average computer user. The power is left to the software designers and computer engineers of the world, who understand this a lot better than we do.
How do entire countries use proxies?
Countries will use a set DNS proxy that will restrict or allow certain types of website and content to either go through to the end user or be blocked by the end user. Their motivation varies depending on the country. Japan uses it to block pornography in the country. Iran uses it to restrict the news and information that gets to their citizens.