Proxies

The word ‘Proxy‘ means, ‘to allow someone else to act on your behalf’. This definition is the underlying principle behind proxy sites.

In order to access the sites on the web, your computer needs to connect with other computers. This connection is made by computers, identifying themselves to one another. One of these identification markers is your IP address. So every time you visit a website, you inevitably provide your information to someone else out there. This is the data that internet marketing companies use, for targeted marketing. Unfortunately, this information can also cause harm in the wrong hands.

Proxy sites save you from this, as they shield your identity. These sites act as a filter between you and the rest of the world. So when you visit any site through the proxy site, your computer does not get directly in contact with that site, thus avoiding the need to provide identifiable information.

This type of proxy that shields your identity on the web is called as anonymizing proxy. People use this proxy for various reasons; it can be to save themselves from malicious websites and it is also used by people on principle to minimize abuse of privacy and ensure freedom of speech. These services can ensure the preservation of constitutional human rights. Some people also use it to get around their workplace firewall. However on the downside these services can also help cover tracks of cyber criminals.

A good proxy site provides this service by using an anonymous proxy sever. These servers are of two types: Disguised Proxy Server and Elite Proxy Server
Disguised proxy servers are not great providers of this service. This is due to the fact that this server reveals to the target site its own identity. This does not mean that it reveals the users identity, however it reveals itself to be a proxy server as it forwards packets with headers like HTTP_VIA or HTTP_FORWARDED. This can result in the identity of the user being revealed.

Elite proxy servers, provide a much better service. These types of servers pretend to be the users themselves, thus not revealing their true nature to the target. It is due to this reason that these types of serves are also called ‘high anonymity proxies’. The service provided by these servers is great but users need to ensure that all cookies are removed from their history. As cookies slip right through the proxy server and reveal the user’s real identity.

Due to the nature of this service, proxy sites get all the data provided by the user. This side effect has given rise to a dangerous phenomenon called ‘Hostile proxy’. This service is provided by a number of rogue sites over the internet. The sole purpose of this sort of a site is the collection of data. This is pretty dangerous for the user, as these sites not only track the websites visited, but they also capture personal data entered into a form.

In short it is only common sense to thoroughly check any proxy site before using it. Make sure that you are aware of their data protection policy. This is necessary to ensure your online safety.

I wish you good luck and hope this article has given you some basic knowledge of proxy sites and proxy servers

A proxy server, as the name says, is an alternative or substitute server. It is a computer between a local network and a worldwide network – the internet.  Most of the internet service providers (ISPs) and large companies often employ proxy servers for their benefit. There are many advantages using a proxy server, from speeding up the traffic to filtering access to certain sites; from providing security to anonymity in browsing.

This technology has been developed over the past few years, and was lapped up instantly. Proxy technology has become synonymous with control over the internet access and faster browsing by virtue of ‘caching’ web pages. This is particularly beneficial for companies that want to regulate their employees’ browsing activities – so much so, to restrict access to select websites. With an efficient proxy server system, one can have a decent control over data movement: permission for logging in to sites, preventing unwanted users from getting in to the network, keeping a track of users’ activities.

There are several types of proxy servers.

Transparent Proxy

This proxy does not give anonymity to users. Moreover, it makes the IP address available.

Anonymous Proxy

This proxy gives considerable anonymity besides not giving out IP address.

Distorting Proxy

This projects an incorrect IP address.

High Anonymity Proxy

While the above three types identify themselves as proxy servers, this one will not do so. And, it will conceal the original IP address effectively.

Connecting to a proxy server

The browsers need to be configured in order to connect to proxy servers.

Internet Explorer 6.0

1. Tools > Internet Options >Connections > LAN Settings.
2. Proxy server> Use a proxy server for your LAN
3. Address > enter the IP address of the proxy server.
4. Enter port number (8080 is default) in the Port box
5. Select Bypass proxy server for local addresses if you want to improve performance).
6. Click OK

Firefox 3.0

1. Tools Menu> Options> Advanced>Network>Connection>Settings
2. Choose “Auto-Detect Proxy setting for this network” or “Manual Proxy Configuration”
3. For “Manual Proxy Configuration” enter the IP address for the HTTP proxy server
4. Enter the port of the HTTP proxy server
5. Click OK

For some more information about proxy servers and proxy sites , you can go to active proxy sites.