Creating workplace safety goes beyond providing employee training. Organizations must also take a hands-on approach to ensure online data privacy and security in today’s digital world. That’s where the use of VPNs or proxy servers comes in. While both technologies enhance online privacy, they do so in different ways. In this article, we’ll dive into the VPN vs. proxy debate to help you determine the best option for your business.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network, or simply a VPN, creates an encrypted tunnel for critical data by hiding IP addresses and online identities. It works at the OS level, redirecting all data traffic from your browsers and apps. VPNs also encrypt traffic between your device and the internet. This means the ISP (internet service provider) cannot track your online activities.
What is a Proxy Server?
Proxies or external servers don’t hide your computer’s IP address per se. Instead, they route data traffic from your device to give data packets a new IP address. In short, they act as middlemen between you and the Worldwide Web. All your data requests go through a proxy server, which reroutes to a proxy server. You’ll get the IP of a real device.
Some common proxies include:
- SOCKS: These proxies work on specific apps such as web browsers.
- HTTPS proxies: They work with browsers and web pages.
- Private proxies: They provide dedicated IP addresses to each user.
- Transparent proxies: They monitor online activities and filter web traffic.
Main Differences Between VPNs and Proxies
Now, let’s determine which is best for your online security.
Proxies are Faster
Time is money in a business setting. Private proxies offer faster connection speeds because they reroute data traffic from specific apps and browsers. Unlike VPNs, proxies also don’t encrypt data, meaning less overhead and faster browsing speeds. However, modern VPNs are optimized to bypass this limitation.
It’s also worth mentioning that proxies can be slow, especially when using free services. Free proxies have reduced infrastructure and high data traffic, which can slow down overall internet connection speed. So, if you cannot find a reliable proxy, you’re better off sticking to VPNs.
VPNs Provide Data Encryption
Data encryption is an important practice that helps protect critical information like home addresses and bank account numbers. While most websites you visit have their own encryption services, VPNs provide an extra security layer. The best VPN services use the AES-256 encryption protocol, which has zero weaknesses.
Proxies, on the other hand, don’t encrypt internet traffic. They only reroute data packets and provide new and anonymous IP addresses. Though masking your IP can provide online security, VPNs are more reliable for activities like streaming paid movies.
VPNs Handle All Traffic
This is one of the most critical advantages of using VPNs over proxies in a business setting. VPN services function on the operating system level, whereas most proxies are limited to specific apps. This means VPN anonymization and encryption have no boundaries in your computer network. All apps installed on your computer or smartphone will get around-the-clock protection.
A single VPN subscription can also be used across different devices, minimizing cost while maximizing online security. For example, Express VPN, one of the most trusted VPN services, allows up to eight devices to use a single subscription account. So, use VPNs to secure the entire computer network without leaving behind potential games.
Proxies are Better at Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Gone are the days when VPNs would give you unlimited access to specific websites. Today, some websites use VPN blockers to restrict traffic suspected to be caused by these powerful tools. These websites can compile a list of VPN IP addresses and block them whenever you want to access the service. What’s worse, most VPN services don’t have servers in all countries.
The good news is that you can use proxies to bypass geo-restricted content easily. You can access websites, games, and movies in a specific region. If your niche is software development, you can also use proxies to test apps and services in particular geolocations. This is a significant advantage that you wouldn’t typically get with VPNs.
Conclusion
Proxy servers and virtual private networks have their pros and cons. Compared to VPNs, proxies offer minimal online security, making them risky options for data and money transactions. Proxies are also limited to specific apps and browsers. However, proxies are the best options if your business targets a particular location or market. In the end, choose what is beneficial to your daily online operations.
