Blocking access to the internet and certain resources has become a very common practice among companies, educational institutions and organizations. However, through a proxy server that directs intermediate web traffic , it is possible to access pages that have been blocked without much difficulty.
Simply put, a proxy is a tool that allows you to intercept and manage traffic between networks, devices or protocols. This type of server acts as an intermediary between users and services available on the internet, such as firewalls, filters, among others.
The proxy server works as a user representative during internet traffic, helping to access pages and guarantee greater security. But it is the company's interest to ensure that employees deliver more productivity in activities carried out in the online environment , avoiding distractions and loss of income. In this sense, is it possible to replace this tool with a more efficient and safer resource?
Thinking about solving this doubt, we have prepared a complete material with everything you need to know about this tool and the alternative resources that can help your business add even more profitability and superior results.
Proxy Server: how does it work?
Translated from English, proxy refers to the power of attorney, that is: the proxy server works as an authority representing the user in the digital environment. It is a widely used tool for privacy , establishing a bridge between you and internet resources.
This happens as follows: when a user tries to access a website through a device, such as a computer, tablet or cell phone, the responsible browser forwards a request to the server for this page, which returns this request with the data of the page being accessed. . Without a proxy server, communication is carried out directly by the user with internet resources. Understand better how this exchange of information works in practice:
In this sense, the proxy server is inserted as a bridge or third party in this interaction, intermediating communication between these two main parties. In this case, the proxy server sends the request and returns the correct information to the user.
For you to understand the role of the proxy server in this process, we will make a very simplified analogy: the IP address through which you browse and carry out your activities in the online world is as if it were a home address . It is through this data that the resources, tools and pages will know how to find you in the digital environment and deliver the requested demand.
However, exposing this address can also be a risk, facilitating the activity of cybercriminals. Using a proxy, your IP address will not be exposed , allowing your browsing to occur more securely. This is because web pages, servers and tools will report to the IP address of this proxy and no longer to the user's IP.
This tool can be used in several ways, being a security feature that creates a barrier between the internet and the network. With its help , it is possible to block access to networks, unwanted access or malicious behavior . The proxy can be used in different ways, such as:
- DNS Firewall;
- Content filter;
- Traffic blocking;
- IP hiding;
- Cashing (temporary storage of data from pages that are frequently accessed to optimize performance);
- Among other applications.
However, one of the main negative aspects of using the Proxy as a server is its high complexity and the need for technical knowledge to be able to manage this tool . To be able to use the proxy, the company needs to have a team prepared to deal with this type of resource, which can generate extra costs for the business .
Due to its characteristics, many people confuse proxy with VPN server . Although the VPN is also an intermediary server to connect to the internet, it also encrypts all exchanges of information between the server and the devices.
Proxy Types
Depending on the use, there are different categories of proxy that can be applied according to the user's needs, such as:
webproxy
This type of proxy usually works linked to a browser. Using encrypted and unencrypted connections, it can mediate between users and internet resources. However, it is a tool that requires a certain level of technical knowledge and can be prone to errors, as it can display content that depends on plugins, java script and other resources.
HTTP Proxy Server
The main objective of this server is to improve the quality of the connection by analyzing the pages visited. Based on this information, the proxy server can determine an appropriate network usage profile . To do this, it performs storage locally, maintaining network performance even when demand is high.
SSL Proxy Server
This proxy allows the user to access the internet with the help of the SSL – Secure Socket Layer protocol , encrypting all connections. This is a server widely used for those who carry out operations that use confidential data, such as payments, transfers, confidential data, among others.
Alternative tools to Proxy
As we have seen, the proxy works as an intermediate layer between connections made on the internet. However, due to its characteristics and limitations, it may not be the best tool to meet your business needs. Especially when it comes to blocking internet pages and resources, a proxy may not be the best solution .
Below are some alternatives to this solution to ensure the best resources for access control and security for your company:
pfSense
pfSense is an efficient and robust solution, being one of the main open source tools on the market. Functioning as a Firewall, it can increase security and provide more efficient connections. However, although it is a free tool, it is also complex and difficult to operate , and is not recommended for lay users who have little familiarity with resources of this type.
This tool can also be used as a valuable ally in controlling internet access. pfSense can be installed directly on a dedicated device, and be applied to protect networks and computers against external threats . It also offers many extra features such as VPN, load balancing, network monitoring, secure remote access, among others. Due to these characteristics, it is a more complete and secure tool, especially compared to the proxy.
DNS Filter
The DNS – Domain Name System , has the function of equating domain names with IP addresses. DNS Filter uses this feature to block malicious pages and filter inappropriate or dangerous content . Through it, it is possible to increase security and carry out more assertive control of the company's networks and resources.
The biggest disadvantage of this tool is that it is a foreign resource and requires payment in Dollars, making this a very high investment for companies. As a content filter, DNS Filter can contribute to more intelligent monitoring of activity carried out in the online environment, helping the company to keep its employees away from problems on the internet .
Lumiun Box
Lumiun offers a complete tool for companies of all sectors and sizes that want to increase security in the digital environment. One of them is Lumiun Box , a robust and complete tool for complete control of the company's internet . With Firewall tools, traffic and speed management, Business VPN and complete reports , Lumiun Box had a strong presence in the Brazilian market due to being easy to administer and also, because it has payment in local currency (R$) , different from the main tools of the Marketplace.
See some benefits and features of the solution:
- Payment in local currency (R$);
- Simple and intuitive control panel, no need for technical knowledge;
- Unified access control, without individual installation of software or hardware;
- Blocking websites and applications by users, groups and specific times;
- Complete and automated reports;
- Control and security of remote access: employees traveling or working from home;
- Among many others.
With the help of this tool, managers can analyze the access profile carried out within the company and establish more assertive control policies, in a simple and practical way.
Lumiun DNS
The “little brother” of the Lumiun Box , the Lumiun DNS is a simplified solution for companies looking for a more compact product and a lower price .
With several network management possibilities, such as blocking websites, categories, internet protection and security, Lumiun DNS is ideal for networks with a large number of connected devices and that require more generic and unified control and security.
Get in touch, get a no-obligation quote and see which product best suits your needs.
Quality should be a priority in your business
Faced with a scenario where security is a necessity, have tools that help increase the protection of stored and handled information. There are countless cyber attacks that can cause immeasurable losses for companies , making it necessary to have increasingly intelligent and efficient tools and solutions.
For this reason, it is necessary to choose tools that meet business needs in a complete and intuitive way. It is essential to evaluate the cost-benefit of the resources available on the market , and from there, determine which one can cover all demands and deliver the greatest security for your devices and networks.
With so many traps and threats surrounding data on the internet, digital security takes on a priority level for companies that want to avoid the losses that this type of problem can cause.
Until later!
