Introduction to Online Security Tools

Staying safe and private while online is more crucial than ever. There are two popular tools that people use to protect their online activity: proxies and VPNs. Proxies and VPNs both hide your IP address and allow you to access restricted content. However, they work differently and serve different purposes.

In this article, we will take a closer look at proxies and VPNs, their differences. Understanding these differences will help you decide which tool is best for your needs, whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device like an Android or iOS.

What is a Proxy?

A proxy, or proxy server, acts as an intermediary between your device and the Internet. When you use a proxy, your internet traffic is sent through that server first. Instead of connecting directly to a website, your device connects to the proxy and then the proxy connects to the site on your behalf. The traffic appears to be coming from the IP address of the proxy rather than your actual device.

There are different types of proxies:

• HTTP/HTTPS Proxies: These operate at the web browser level, handling web traffic. You can configure your browser to use a proxy for all HTTP or HTTPS requests, for example. If it’s an HTTPS proxy, it encrypts the data between you and the server, adding an extra layer of security.
• SOCKS Proxies: A SOCKS proxy operates at a lower level and can handle various types of traffic, not just web pages. The latest version, SOCKS5, can work with both TCP and UDP, which means it can proxy gaming, video, and other non-web traffic.
• Web-based Proxies: These are online services that allow you to enter a URL and let the proxy server fetch the content for you. This is a convenient way to use a proxy without having to change any settings on your device.
• Transparent proxies: These proxies are often used by organizations or internet service providers (ISPs) and may intercept traffic without the need for configuration on your end. They typically do not hide your IP address, but rather serve functions such as caching or content filtering.

In essence, a proxy server acts as an intermediary. It can hide your IP address from websites you visit and sometimes stores data (for example, a company proxy may store copies of commonly accessed webpages to speed up access for all users). Proxies can be configured in individual applications or browsers. You might set a proxy in your web browser settings or an app that supports proxy connections, for example. This means that other traffic from your device, such as email or other apps, will not go through the proxy unless those apps are also set to use it.

If you’re interested in actually setting up and using a proxy, you might find this guide on how to use a proxy server helpful, which walks through configuration and use cases in detail.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. When connected to a VPN, your internet traffic is sent through this secure connection to the VPN server and then to the internet. This means that websites and services will see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your own, just like a proxy. However, the main difference is that VPN connections are encrypted, providing both security and privacy.

Originally, VPNs were developed to enable remote workers to securely access corporate networks over the internet. These networks extend a private connection across a public network. Today, VPNs have become popular for personal use as well, allowing individuals to protect their data and online privacy.

How a VPN Works: To use a VPN, you typically need to install a VPN app (or use the built-in VPN feature on your device) and log in with your VPN account. Once you’re connected, the VPN encrypts all your outgoing data from your device and sends it to the VPN server. The server then decrypts the data and forwards it to its destination (the website or service you’re trying to access). The responses from the website or service are sent back to the server, where they’re encrypted again and sent back to you. This process happens automatically in the background, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Key characteristics of VPNs:

• System-Wide Protection: A VPN will protect all traffic from your device, including browsers and apps, as long as it’s active. You won’t need to configure each app individually. (In some cases, there are split-tunnel options or per-app configurations available, but generally speaking, it’s an all-or-nothing approach.)
• Encryption: VPNs use strong encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. This means that even if someone were to intercept your traffic (for example, while using public Wi-Fi), they would see only garbled data and not the actual content.
• Server Locations: VPN services typically offer servers in various locations/countries. Users can often choose from a list of countries or cities where they want to appear. This is helpful for accessing geo-restricted content (such as streaming services that are only available in certain regions) or selecting the server that is closest for faster speeds.
• Software and Platforms: VPNs have become more user-friendly, with most providers offering apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, VPN for Android or iOS, and even smart TVs and routers. This allows users to protect multiple devices with a single VPN account, making it easier to keep their online activities secure.

When to Use a Proxy vs. When to Use a VPN

Let’s discuss some scenarios and use cases where a proxy or VPN might be more appropriate. There are situations where using a proxy would make more sense, while in other situations, a VPN would be the better choice. Here are some guidelines to help you decide which one to use:

Use a Proxy when:

• You need a quick IP change for a specific task: If your goal is to access a single website or service that is blocked or geo-restricted and the information is not sensitive, a proxy server can be a quick solution. For example, if a certain news article is blocked in your country, using a web proxy or browser proxy can allow you to read it without needing to set up a full virtual private network (VPN).
• Low-risk browsing or lightweight tasks: For casual browsing or tasks where security is not a priority (e.g., checking the weather on a region-locked site, or scraping public data from a website), a proxy can be used. Developers and researchers often utilize proxies to collect data from various IP addresses and test how a website appears from different locations.
• Bypassing Simple Web Filters: In some environments, such as schools or workplaces, certain websites may be blocked using simple methods. However, a proxy website may sometimes be able to bypass these filters. For example, if social media is blocked on the network, accessing a web-based proxy before accessing the social site may allow you to circumvent the block. Note that this may violate acceptable use policies and is not recommended.
• You cannot install software or configure a VPN: In some situations, it might be difficult to install a VPN app on your device (for example, if you’re using a work computer with restrictions or don’t have administrative rights). However, you can still change proxy settings in your browser or use a web proxy to reroute your traffic. A proxy is the only option available in such cases.
• Content Caching and Network Management: If you’re a network administrator looking to optimize traffic or filter content, deploying a proxy server can be a useful solution. Proxies can cache frequently accessed data, saving bandwidth while also enforcing content rules. While this is not a personal use case, it’s an example of how proxies are used in business or library settings. Proxies are also sometimes used over VPN connections.
• Cost is a Primary Concern: If you absolutely cannot afford to spend money on a VPN service and just need occasional access to restricted content, you may want to consider using a free proxy server. These services often have significant limitations or potential risks, but if your browsing is not sensitive, they can be a good option for those who prefer not to pay for a subscription. However, it’s important to remember that free services may also come with risks, so always use caution when using them.

Use a VPN when:

• Security is important: Whenever you use the internet on public Wi-Fi networks (airport, cafe, hotel), or any network that you do not trust, it is highly recommended to use a VPN. For example, if you are traveling and using the hotel Wi-Fi to access your email or bank account, a VPN can help protect your traffic so that if someone is monitoring the network, they cannot steal your passwords or personal information. A proxy would not be enough in this scenario, as it would not encrypt your connection and therefore not protect your data.
• Comprehensive Privacy: If you wish to prevent your ISP (or any other party) from tracking the websites and services you visit, a VPN is a great solution. For example, at home, you might not want your ISP or other third parties to create a profile of your online activities. A VPN can prevent them from seeing details about your internet traffic. Additionally, if you are concerned about government monitoring or simply want better privacy, a VPN offers enhanced protection.
• Multiple Applications Need Protection: If you’re doing several things at once – downloading something via torrent, browsing the web, and chatting – you would want to keep all those connections safe and private. A VPN can protect your torrent client, browser, and chat application simultaneously. A proxy, on the other hand, would require separate settings for each app (and not all applications support proxies). For a comprehensive solution to protect your device’s connectivity, a VPN is the better choice.
• Bypassing Advanced Censorship and Geo-blocks: If you live in a country with strict internet restrictions (such as blocking access to social media, messaging apps, or many foreign websites), using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you regain access. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, hiding what you are accessing. Many VPNs also use obfuscation techniques to make it harder for websites to detect that you are using a VPN.
• Working from home or remotely accessing company resources: If you need secure access to your company’s internal network and resources from home, your company may provide a virtual private network (VPN) solution. A VPN allows you to log in and use company resources as if you were in the office, while all data is encrypted. Proxies, on the other hand, may not provide full network access. They might allow you to access a single service, but not function as a part of the network.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool

Both proxies and VPNs can help enhance online privacy and access, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of which tool to use depends on your specific needs and the level of security required.

If your main goal is to mask your IP address for a single service or bypass a simple block and you are not dealing with sensitive information, a proxy may be a good option. Proxies are quick and easy to use, often requiring no installation. However, they do not encrypt your traffic and provide only basic privacy, similar to a quick detour on a superhighway.

On the other hand, if you require a higher level of security and want to protect your data from hackers or government surveillance, a VPN is a better choice. VPNs encrypt your traffic, ensuring that it is safe and private. They also allow you to access blocked content and bypass censorship.

Ultimately, the decision between a proxy and a VPN depends on your specific circumstances and needs. If you need a quick and simple solution, a proxy may suffice. If you require more security, a VPN will provide better protection.

In many cases, people may end up using both VPNs and proxies at different times. For example, you might use a VPN on your laptop for secure browsing, but also use a proxy extension in your browser for quickly checking a website under a different identity. This is perfectly fine, as these tools are not mutually exclusive. It’s important to understand their strengths and limitations, so you can use them appropriately.

Before deciding, consider the following questions:

• Am I using a trusted network, or a public network?
• Do I need to protect just my browser traffic, or all traffic from my device?
• Is my activity sensitive, such as passwords or personal information, or is it more casual browsing?
• Do I want to appear to be browsing from a specific country, or not?
• How concerned am I about speed and convenience, versus security and privacy?

Your answers will help you make the right choice. It’s also important to consider the quality and reputation of the service you choose. If you decide to use a VPN, make sure to choose a reliable provider that meets your budget and privacy needs (you can consult resources like the best VPN services for PC & smartphone to compare options). If you decide to use a proxy, we recommend using reputable proxy services or those provided by trustworthy organizations. Additionally, consider using HTTPS proxies, which provide an extra layer of encryption for your online activity.