Many people make the mistake of thinking that a VPN and a proxy are the same things. There are actually differences between the two that you should be aware of. Take the time to read about VPNs below and see how they are different from a proxy. You’ll have a better understanding of the topic and will know when using each of them is appropriate.
Understanding How a Proxy Works
A proxy works by acting as a middleman between you and the Internet itself. You see, proxy servers are used by people who want to hide their Internet activity. These proxy servers can be used to make it seem like you’re using the Internet from a different location than the one you are currently at. Being able to use the Internet anonymously is hugely beneficial for certain people.
Even so, it should be known that a proxy server is only capable of hiding your Internet usage from those who aren’t very knowledgeable about tech. If someone knows how to poke around, then they’re going to be able to figure out where you are and what you’re doing. Proxy servers are great for those who want to browse anonymously but they might not be perfect for those who are trying to protect sensitive data.
Understanding How a VPN Works
VPNs have become pretty well-known in recent years and many people are now using them. A VPN works by hiding both your location and your IP address. This is going to make it much more difficult for anyone to determine your actual location and what you’re doing on the Internet. VPNs encrypt your information to give you the most secure Internet experience possible.
Using a VPN makes you less vulnerable to security risks when compared to using a proxy server. The added step of encryption really makes a huge difference and many prefer VPNs for that reason. If you’re trying to use the Internet as securely as possible, then signing up for a VPN is likely in your best interests. Anyone who is serious about protecting their data will find using a VPN to be beneficial.
In Closing
Both proxy servers and VPNs are useful tools that people enjoy. Using a VPN is going to take things a step further and will allow you greater security than usual. Which one you choose to make use of is up to you. Just think about what level of security you need while browsing the Internet and make your decision from there.