On the surface, a web proxy and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) seem the same, but there are some key distinctions between the two services that could mean the difference between protecting your data and getting hacked.
A web proxy connects a user to a remote computer. It acts as a middleman and it can hide your IP address. This service can alter the geographic location of your computer so that it appears that you are in a different country. This can help a user access a website that might be restricted in certain countries.
A VPN provides the same service, but it is like a heavily encrypted tunnel that can protect the data on the entire network. This can provide more speed, geographic flexibility, and security. HideMy.name is one of the top VPN service providers. It offers the best data security, anonymity, and it has a user-friendly interface.
Between a web proxy and a VPN, what is the best option for you? Here are 9 things to consider:
1. No Buffering
On the one hand, a proxy server also allows users to stream video content the same way that a VPN does, along with the changing IP address. That is where the similarities end. A web proxy typically lacks the capabilities to stream video in a clean way. Some of the proxy servers can be run by someone who uses slow equipment, which results in buffering or no connection. That is because many proxy servers are free and the owners cannot afford quality equipment. By contrast, a VPN such as HideMy.name offers a high-speed connection to view HD online video.
2. Full Network Encryption
For users who need the most privacy and are deeply concerned about security, VPN is the best option. A web proxy only protects the site that you are on. A VPN encrypts the entire network in a tunnel. This allows a user to stream video, play games, and download items — with all of it being protected. This full network encryption provides peace of mind for people who want to secure their data between their device and the remote network.
3. VPN Is 'Set It And Forget It'
The hassle of having to set up a network connection can be such a pain. Using a web proxy means that you have to manually set up everything before you use it, and the quality still might be lackluster. A VPN avoids this messy setup. There is very little customization required. All that is required is installing it and it is ready to work.
4. More locations And More Apps
A web proxy tends to be very limited in options for geographic locations. A VPN provides more geographic options to choose from. In addition, a VPN typically offers more options for apps. HideMy.name works with numerous different apps and games. It can also be used across many different types of devices.
5. Web Proxy Has No Encryption And Can Be Hacked
Users who rely on a web proxy could be putting their data at risk. Many proxies do not provide adequate protection against hackers. Some web proxies record browser data and usernames that can be hacked. A user can also get a virus on a web proxy. It is very easy for a hacker to steal personal data, such as passwords, on a web proxy. The problem is that the web proxy is not encrypted and leaves all of the data vulnerable to third parties. There are many cases involving a web proxy user being hacked. A VPN user does not have to work about this.
6. No Random IP Address
A web proxy provides users with a random IP address and it might not be that safe. A VPN will provide an IP address from their own server networks, which is significantly safer.
7. Protection From Public Wi-Fi
Most people think that the public Wi-Fi is perfectly safe, but that is false. Public Wi-Fi is usually not encrypted. That means that anyone can compromise your data, including an inexperienced hacker. A VPN connected to public Wi-Fi will stop this from happening because it is encrypted. The safest way to surf the web on a public Wi-Fi is with a VPN. This is especially true for travelers in airports and hotels.
8. Data Is Kept Private
Although a web proxy has its purposes, such as using the internet without any private information, they should largely be avoided. With a VPN, data is fully protected. All internet traffic on a VPN is encrypted and you still get the added benefit of having different geographic locations.
9. It Cloaks Your Browsing
A VPN cloaks all browsing, which is something that a web proxy typically doesn't do. All traffic on VPN can get cloaked because this service replaces local ISP routing. This protects all activity done online. HideMy.name takes things a step further by masking its use from the internet provider and the network administrator.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of techtimes.com
