A proxy is a legally authorized server that acts as an intermediary between the user and the internet. When users send requests to access files, web pages, or resources on the internet, the proxy interprets the traffic and relays the required information back to the user.
To put it simply, a proxy acts on behalf of another device by providing an additional layer of security. The role of a proxy is crucial in a business organization for the reason being its vulnerable exposure to data theft and online security.
For instance, imagine running your business without a proxy. When an employee browses on the internet, it creates a direct connection between the user and the internet. The server easily tracks the IP address of that employee. Neither there is encryption of messages nor any security in it. Anyone can then easily trace your identity.
However, when you use a proxy server, you can protect your business from malware attacks and security threats. So, when you send a request on the internet, the proxy hides your IP address and enables its IP address.
No matter the size of the organization, big or small, the success rate of using proxy services is huge. Businesses such as eCommerce sites, search engines, government agencies, corporate companies, and many others depend heavily upon one feature, which is high-level security. Proxy services also provide web scraping and data aggregation as per your business needs.
Let us quickly dive deep into the pros and cons of a proxy for businesses.
| Pros of Proxy Servers | Cons of Proxy Servers |
| Access to browse anonymously. | Several free or limited servers. |
| Data protection from unauthorized users. | It Monitors your connection. |
| Access to blocked websites due to country restrictions. | Compatibility issues. |
| Restriction to websites and web pages. | Additional security tools. |
| Traffic control. | Budget constraints. |
Pros of Using a Proxy Server for Your Business
1. Access to Browse Anonymously
A proxy server does a great job at hiding your IP address while browsing on the internet. This ensures your location remains private which makes it difficult for the target website servers to decode your confidential information. For businesses, proxy services are crucial to prevent data breaches and online threats.
The business members have the freedom to browse anonymously without worrying about the attacker’s agenda. For example, a residential proxy will replace your business address with a different location. Hence, you can minimize the ability to access information like current projects, employee information, business plans through proxy servers.
2. Data Protection from Unauthorized Users
The big advantage of using proxies is their privacy. In the internet world, every little action you take is monitored. The data protection of employees and the company is a huge concern since it makes or breaks its operations entirely.
Businesses need more privacy as they cannot afford to fall prey to malicious attacks. To prevent business data from being exposed to hackers and unauthorized users, you should choose proxy services for a risk-free browsing experience.
3. Access to Blocked Websites
There are restrictions to access content in some countries. For example, if your business is based in Japan, you may not be able to get access to sites based in the US.
Proxies enable businesses to access those links and content by using that country’s IP address. This is beneficial for companies to do their research, implement certain policies, and product developments.
4. Restriction to Websites and Webpages
On the contrary, you can also restrict access to websites and webpages in business which may seem spammy. For example, employees might browse inappropriate content that could place the company at a huge risk, i.e., by clicking ads and pages that can easily hack the systems.
By using this feature in proxies, you can regulate the activities of the employees. Increased productivity of the employees benefits the businesses predominantly. The flexibility to permit access or restrict it is a huge advantage of proxy services.
5. Traffic Control
Every business has a website to market its products and services. A proxy server helps balance the volume of visitors or clients taking action on a website. If business owners are unable to scale the traffic, it could slow down the website navigation or even crash.
A proxy server receives traffic flows from several users while browsing the company website and provides them with the requested data. It creates a single web address and stores website data as a cache. This results in a better user experience.
Cons of Using a Proxy Server for Your Business
1. Several Free or Limited Servers
Free proxy servers make it difficult to track who controls the proxy connection. Most of the proxies do not allow HTTPS connection as well which challenges the whole purpose of using one for security purposes.
If your data is not encrypted, it means anybody can get access to it while monitoring your request to a webpage. Hence, businesses must opt for paid proxy services that are reliable and compatible with the systems.
2. Monitors Your Connection
As mentioned above, the company data stored as cache in the proxy servers can reach the wrong hands, in this case, the employees. Also known as malvertising, the servers might inject information as ads which when clicked by the employees will help generate sales for them.
If this is the case, the systems can be severely infected by malware. The problem is that the servers may not even be aware of this as long as you serve as a clickbait. It is best to avoid cheap proxy servers altogether.
3. Compatibility Issues
The proxy server that you use for your business must be compatible with your local network. Both the network and the server have their configurations. While planning out business requirements, it is equally important to do your research on proxy servers that match and protect those needs.
Either purchase a proxy server that is compatible with the local network or configure one to match the other. Along with this, use a high-performing internet connection to increase the success rate.
4. Additional Security Tools
Proxies hide your IP address and also store the browser data with it. But the question is whether it does a good job at encrypting the data? The answer is no.
There are high chances of third parties hacking your websites. To make the job simpler, proxy services can do exactly what your business is looking for.
A good option is to use proxies to hide the IP address and further use a VPN to tightly secure the information against hackers.
5. Budget Constraints
The more employees and business operations involved, the bigger its need to protect the company. Big business organizations can afford to purchase great-performing proxy servers, even VPNs.
However, small businesses might not be able to afford legitimate proxy services and could end up opting for free servers. The very job is to offer security for businesses and honestly, proxies alone will not be sufficient.
Key Takeaway
Proxy servers offer basic protection to the devices. With exposure to malware attacks and data breaches, businesses must at least provide themselves a good proxy server for their systems, if not a VPN.
It is better to consider the pros of purchasing the right server than to sit back with the cons and not offer even the least amount of protection. Take time to research the market and look for reputable proxy services brands online.