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Cybercrime is on the rise internationally. Hackers are on a daily mission to steal data.
One of their favorite methods is to spy on your Internet connection.
So, in order to protect yourself from these would be thieves, you could use either a proxy or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server to connect to the Internet.
However, the 2 are very different, & also not uniform in the protection they offer.
Therefore, we’ve set out to explain the nature of protection offered by both of these services, so that you’re better informed when you make a choice. Here’s VPN versus proxy servers difference:
Proxy
Funneling your connection via a proxy server allows you to hide your IP address from would be snoopers.
This type of connection is useful if you want to hide your location because it obscures this information. For instance, if you reside in India but are connected to the Internet via a server in Rome, your IP information would present you as an Italian, & hackers interested in users in India would be foiled.
However, a proxy only hides your IP address, it does not encrypt your data over the Internet. For this reason alone it’s not very secure.
Depending on whether you use the HTTP or SOCKS, type of proxy, you can encrypt your data using an SSL certificate, but the process makes your connection slower.
Additionally, a proxy is a safety measure for Web-based traffic only, it does not hide or encrypt other activities on your computer or mobile device, such as interactions with applications or software.
VPN
In the VPN versus proxy explanation…
…using a VPN is a newer, more modern & much safer option.
With a VPN your data is ‘funneled’ through a tunnel which encrypts all information automatically, without the need for acquiring an SSL certificate or any other clumsy requirements.
Additionally, a VPN encrypts all aspects & activities on your mobile device or computer.
This type of connection, which is also sent via a server in a different location, is a far better bet when it comes to hiding your information from cyber thieves.
VPNs are particularly useful for protecting yourself while using public WiFi spots, such as those offered at libraries & airports.
While using a VPN, neither your ISP nor anyone else can intercept or decipher the transmission between your device & the server.
Now, armed with this knowledge you’re better able to protect yourself Online, & connect incognito to any service you so desire to, which can be particularly advantageous if you’d like to go to Sites blocked in your country.
