What is Proxy Server? Meaning & simple definition

What is a proxy?#

Proxy means "representative". Instead of your device connecting directly to a site, it hands the request to the proxy server, which sends it under its own name and returns the response to you. The destination site sees the proxy's IP, not yours.

A few familiar types#

Web proxy (HTTP): for the browser and web pages.
SOCKS: more general and used for all kinds of applications.
Reverse proxy: works on the server side and distributes or filters incoming requests among several servers, as many CDN services do.

Uses#

Hiding your IP and getting around some restrictions.
Caching pages in organizations to save bandwidth.
Filtering or logging employee traffic.
Creating a protective barrier against attacks for servers.

Difference from a VPN#

A proxy usually routes only one application's traffic and does not necessarily encrypt it. A VPN encrypts all of the device's traffic. So a proxy is lighter and faster, but less secure.

A note of caution#

A public, anonymous proxy can see your traffic and even tamper with it. Do not pass sensitive information such as banking passwords through it, and trust only a known source.

Frequently asked questions about Proxy Server

Is a proxy safe?

It depends. A simple proxy has no encryption and its owner can see your traffic. For sensitive tasks you need an encrypted connection and a reputable source.

What is a reverse proxy?

A server that stands in front of the main servers, takes requests and passes them to the right server. It is used for load distribution, security and caching.