Web proxy: Definition, types, and uses

What is a web proxy?

Proxy sites are services that connect you to the internet without exposing your activity. They allow you to surf the web with more privacy by routing your request through a proxy site first and then modifying your IP address and location. Changing your IP address means the sites you visit won’t know your virtual location, which provides a more private session. 

Free web proxy vs. paid proxy

The difference between a free proxy and a paid proxy is simple. A free proxy is available at no cost, while a paid proxy requires payment before use. But what does that typically mean for the overall service? Paid proxies usually offer higher security, better privacy protection, more reliable performance, and superior customer support. Free proxies, including some public proxies, often come with risks such as slower speeds, limited functionality, and potential security vulnerabilities.

Types of web proxies 

Web proxies initially helped with caching web content, improving performance, and managing network traffic. Over time, they also became useful for hiding IP addresses and locations. Although no single, universally accepted way to categorize proxies exists, the following types are commonly recognized.

Forward or reverse proxy

A forward proxy is a standard proxy server that routes traffic between its clients and another system, typically outside their network. It uses built-in measures and policies to protect clients' IP addresses and traffic. 

Reverse proxies differ from traditional proxy sites because they accept client requests, forward them to one of the site's many servers, and send back results from the server that processed the request. During the process, the user only engages with the reverse proxy server and not the other server processing the request. 

Anonymous or non-anonymous 

Anonymous proxies hide a user's information and requests. They use different strategies to achieve this and may create multiple layers of data to conceal web traffic. Non-anonymous proxies, on the other hand, do not typically change a user's IP address. 

Transparent or non-transparent 

Transparent proxies oversee web traffic by intercepting and forwarding it while revealing the user's real IP address to the destination server. They can operate without client configuration, allowing them to observe activity, log user behavior, and sometimes filter, cache, or restrict content. Non-transparent proxies, on the other hand, not only monitor but also modify data packets, acting as an intermediary that makes requests on behalf of users.

Mobile or residential

Mobile proxies use IP addresses assigned to physical locations by ISPs. Residential web proxies create fixed IP addresses for the user's physical location. 

Networked or standalone 

Networked proxies are groups of multiple proxy servers that share a wide range of IP addresses with the internet when a user makes a request. Standalone web proxies use a single proxy server to unveil one or a limited number of IP addresses with the internet. 

How does a web proxy work?

A web proxy is the intermediary between your device and the internet. The process works in three steps:

1. 1.User query: You submit a query or request via a proxy site. 
2. 2.Proxy process: The web proxy server then accesses the content for you.
3. 3.Response and delivery: The requested content is routed back to your browser without revealing your IP address and virtual location. 

Are web proxies illegal?

The legality of web proxies depends on your country’s laws, where the proxy server is physically located, and where you log in to a proxy site. While no single answer applies to this question, using a web proxy to change your virtual location and IP address is generally legal, as long as you're not committing a crime.

Are proxy sites safe?

Proxy sites can pose some risks to those seeking better privacy. The safety level of a proxy site depends on each service provider and its security and privacy features, if it has any at all. Many users rely on free web proxies due to the lack of an entry barrier. However, they present security risks, and users may experience security breaches. 

Why do you need a web proxy?

If you regularly browse the web, you may want to use a proxy site to increase digital privacy. 

A web proxy can help you:

• Change your IP address.
• Circumvent firewalls for certain websites. 
• Improve overall privacy while browsing.

The difference between a web proxy and a VPN 

Proxies and VPNs both help protect online traffic, but they differ in their privacy and security measures. VPNs provide a higher level of security with system-wide coverage, requiring software installation to encrypt all internet traffic and mask IP addresses. They are ideal for users seeking enhanced online privacy.

In contrast, proxy sites may have little to no security measures, depending on the service provider. Unlike VPNs, they do not encrypt all traffic and typically work on a per-application basis.

VPN vs. free proxy

VPNs and proxy sites share some similarities but also have key differences. While some free web proxies have basic security protocols, others have none at all, making these proxy servers vulnerable to threat actors.

On the other hand, VPNs use a tunneling mechanism to secure and encrypt traffic packets that are transferred through a secured network. VPN encryption provides a higher level of safety for users than proxy services. 

Advantages of a web proxy

Web proxies offer a variety of benefits, such as improving privacy and security while browsing. Some of the key advantages include:

• IP address changes. Web proxies change your IP address while you surf the web.

• Encrypted connections. Some web proxy services can encrypt traffic with SSL and establish encrypted connections between networked computers. 

Risks of using free web proxies

People should always use caution when using free software services, including web proxies. Some of its risks include: 

• Malware injections. Malicious proxies can manipulate network traffic, redirecting users to harmful websites where they may be tricked into downloading malware.

• IP bans. These can occur when a free proxy is utilized by those performing malicious activities, which can result in bans. 

• Data interception. Free web proxies may log and collect sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, browsing history, and login details, which can then be sold to third parties for profit.

NordVPN’s lightweight VPN proxy extensions 

NordVPN’s proxy extension protects users on the internet, and you don’t have to download additional software. By clicking “Add extension,” you can install this lightweight VPN proxy extension. The NordVPN proxy extension encrypts your browser’s traffic, secures your IP address, blocks ads, and offers an extra layer of security. The extension can also disable WebRTC and stop leaks.