Proxy vs VPN – Which One Is the Right for Me?

You probably think that a Proxy and a VPN are more or less the same things. Well, not exactly. Actually, a proxy connects you to a remote computer, and a VPN connects you to a remote computer, so they must be the same… but no.

Let’s look at how they are different from each other; If you’re security conscious, you might be thinking about setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a proxy server.

Both VPNs and proxies enable a higher degree of privacy than you might otherwise have, allowing you to anonymously access the internet by hiding your IP in various ways. But how they do that is quite different.
Let’s look at how they are different from each other.

What is a proxy?

A proxy acts as an intermediary between you as a user and the internet. When you are using a proxy server, your request goes through the proxy server (which finally changes your IP address) first, and only then connects you to the website you want to connect to.

What is a VPN?

As the name suggests, a virtual private network (VPN) is a type of private network that’s constructed over a public infrastructure, which allows you as end-users to send and receive data across that particular public networks as if their online devices were directly connected to the private network.

Pros of using a VPN

• VPNs can be a trusted way to keep your network safe and secure (It only happens when you choose a quality VPN provider)

• Your network connection will be secured with high levels of encryption technology

• You will be able to remain anonymous in the online world

• You can also choose a VPN provider whose logging policies match your technology standards

• You will also get additional security features like private DNS, DNS leak protection, and NAT firewalls also

Cons of using a VPN

• If you want a high-quality service, then you’d have to pay for it.

• VPN will slow down your network connection if it is running behind your network

• According to research, some VPNs will also use the memory and processing power of your system.

Pros of Using a Proxy Server

There are lots of advantages to the proxy server, which are listed below;

• Proxy server helps the clients or users to protect their identity or important information from getting leaked or hacked by hackers and scrappers.

• A proxy server is usually used in bypassing restricted websites throughout the online world. As we all know, some offices and organizations are blocking some websites for their own reasons. As you can see, many websites have some country restrictions, too. In those cases, if you want to access those websites, the proxy server will help you in accessing these restricted websites.

• The proxy server is also used to increase the client’s device level of security and privacy while surfing the web by using different proxy servers.

• A good proxy is a server always used for speeding up the browsing and access data, which occurs because of their good cache system.

• As the proxy server’s cache system is an excellent one when accessing any websites using a paid or a good proxy server, they store your desired data in their cache system so that next time you can access your website more quickly.

Cons of Using a Proxy Server

• The proxy server’s cache system is excellent and active. Sometimes, it may happen that your passwords, or your browser history websites, or any secured data can easily be looked at by the proxy service provider. So it’s always advisable to go for a dedicated proxy server or paid one.

• Proxy server uses the encrypted connections or network; however, your data or information can be leaked using the technique of TLS and SSL encrypted connections.

• Again, as we have come to know above, with the help of a residential proxy server, any blocked websites can be accessed.

Proxy vs VPN: Which is the right one for me?

As you all know, privacy and security have become a vital ingredient of online surfing these days. It does not matter whether if it’s your company’s data or your own personal data; you need to protect them in many ways. In this way, you invest your time and money into the correct tools for your security goals. We can safely say that both proxies and VPNs are adding an additional layer of security and privacy to your personal information and to the company’s private data as well.

If you want to enable your team to work remotely with secure access to the company resources, VPN will be the best choice.

If your concerns are more around “what websites are my users hitting,” a proxy server will be the best option for you.

Conclusion

Finally, you can easily count the disadvantages that are suppressed by the many advantages of using a proxy server. It’s a universal fact that both advantages and disadvantages can be found in any technology or service, so it’s up to you to make use of the advantages of your requirement. Now it’s time to give it a chance according to your potential need.

Neither a proxy nor a VPN will protect you from 100% of cybersecurity threats your company will encounter: they won’t stop an insider from stealing personal data, a ransomware attack, or a coordinated infiltration effort.