Using a Proxy Server
Using a proxy server is similar in ways to a VPN but has some very important differences. A proxy server is a computer or an application that acts as a middleman (or a “proxy”) for requests your connected devices make to the internet.
It will allow you to stream or view websites that may be geo-blocked. After connecting to the proxy server, you are using its IP address to connect to websites.
In the past, proxy servers were mainly used as a means of connecting multiple users to the internet in cases where a direct connection might not have been feasible. This was widely the case in the early, “dial-up” days of the internet.
In modern times, proxy servers are a way for a user to keep their identity and their original IP address undercover.
Your data is not encrypted and full address spoofing is not provided, so you can still potentially be monitored by your ISP or government.
While proxy servers work quite well and are, in many cases, less expensive than VPN services, they do not provide the encrypted connection protection a VPN does, leaving your activities open to prying eyes.
Pros:
- Can be used to get around geo-blocked contents.
- Hides your IP address at basic level
Cons:
- Slow data transmission speeds.
- The potential for using a compromised proxy server.
- Most proxy servers log your activity, so your activity can be monitored
- No data encryption
- Not legal in some countries
- Not compatible with mobile and tablets
Takeaway: Using a proxy server is potentially risk, you may consider managed proxy providers if you still wanted to use as they should have additional security.