There’s a reason why the cybersecurity market is worth an estimated $167.13 billion. Though the internet has benefited our lives in multiple ways it’s also made us more vulnerable.
Sadly, these days it’s easier than ever to become a victim of cybercrime. In minor cases, this can result in a small hack, or a few hundred dollars disappearing from your bank account. In worse ones, it can result in your entire identity being stolen.
That’s why cybersecurity measures, like VPNs and proxy servers, have become so popular in recent years. However, many people still misunderstand the difference between these two security measures.
So, what’s the difference between a VPN vs proxy? And which is better for you? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more so you can decide for yourself. But, first, let’s go over some definitions.
What is a Proxy?
A proxy server is essentially a barrier separating your IP address from the website you’re visiting. When you visit a website on the internet your traffic is first sent to a remote machine that acts as a kind of middleman before sending you on to the host server.
So, the website you visit only sees the IP address of the proxy server. Your actual IP address remains hidden. There are many different types of proxy servers. However, the three most popular ones are HTTP proxy servers, SOCKS proxy servers, and transparent proxy servers.
An HTTP server only works on web pages. As such, it’s good for surfing the internet and gaining access to web pages that are restricted by location. SOCKS proxy servers work on both web traffic and applications, like video streaming, games, and any other P2P platform.
Finally, transparent proxy servers are usually for parents and employers. Typically, the people using them (kids or employees) don’t know that they’re installed. They allow the user to both monitor internet activity and block access to certain sites.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is an acronym that stands for a virtual private network. In many ways, a VPN is quite similar to a proxy server. It sends your traffic to a remote server which then disguises your IP address to the websites you’re visiting.
That way, people can’t see your address or location. However, a VPN works on an operating system level instead of an application level. This means that it’s not just your internet activity that’s being rerouted, it’s also all of your background apps.
On top of that, a virtual private network will also encrypt any activity that occurs between the internet and your device. Why would you want this? Simple, because it prevents your Internet Service Provider from watching your internet activity and sharing it.
It doesn’t just protect against your ISP either, it can also stop government surveillance, hackers, and website trackers. However, it’s important to remember that not all VPN services are created equally.
Some of them still collect your information, like IP addresses and DNS requests. We recommend avoiding these types of services. If their servers are ever breached, then all of this private information can become leaked on the internet.
VPN vs Proxy: What’s the Difference?
We’ve gone over some of the differences in definition between a VPN and proxy server. But how do these differences translate to real life? To better understand this, let’s look at some of the key differences between the two types of services.
First, there’s the encryption factor. VPNs encrypt your web traffic which is something that proxy server aren’t capable of doing. This encryption makes it safer to use a VPN when handling sensitive information, like government or corporate secrets. Next, VPNs work on any operating system level while proxies simply operate on an application level.
This means that all activity you do on your computer will be protected by a VPN. A proxy will simply disguise your browser. Or, if you use a SOCKS proxy, then it will protect a specific application.
VPNs are also more reliable than proxy servers. While this can vary from provider to provider, proxy servers are much more likely to accidentally drop their connection. When this happens your identity is immediately exposed which can land you in trouble. However, the differences between the two aren’t all positive for VPNs.
For one thing, most VPNs cost money to subscribe to. While there are some free VPN services, they usually can’t be trusted. Proxy servers, on the other hand, tend to be free.
Finally, VPNs are also slower than proxy servers. This is because it’s actively encrypting your activity which can take time. So, if you want fast speeds, then choose a proxy server.
Is a VPN Better For Security?
At the end of the day, a VPN is much better for security purposes than a proxy server. This is thanks to the fact that a VPN encrypts your traffic instead of just rerouting it and disguising it as a proxy.
So, while a proxy might offer some form of disguise it offers little in the way of protection against cyber threats. And, unlike proxies, a virtual private network works on the entire operating system.
A proxy simply works on certain applications like browsers. However, the strength of your VPN depends on the specific service that you go with. Not sure what the best types of VPN are? No problem! Just check out this link to learn about the best VPN services.
Want More Content? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you learn about the difference between a VPN vs proxy. While a VPN might be better for privacy, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you.
Both security methods have their purposes. So, find out which one fits your needs and choose a provider today. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.