Tech Term: What are Proxy Servers?

While proxy server is a tech term that is frequently cited, it is not understood by a vast majority of people. Today we will describe what a proxy server is, and why organizations like yours use them.

What is a Proxy Server?
Simply put, a proxy server is a computer that acts as an intermediary between the computer you use and the Internet. It masks the IP address of your machine with the IP address of the proxy. It is designed to provide business networks with additional security and privacy benefits.

Proxy Server Security
Network breaches and other security lapses can be major problems for any business. The proxy server can work to limit problems like these by adding the additional layer of security between the servers you depend on and the traffic coming in from the Internet. While the proxy server isn’t a comprehensive solution to keep unwanted entities out of your network, it does provide a barrier that can work to keep your network from being infiltrated, and your data from being stolen.

Proxy Server Privacy
Most organizations utilize proxy servers to protect their network and data from the stream of traffic that comes in and out of their network. In protecting the anonymity of your systems, proxy servers protect the data by limiting your organization’s direct exposure to this traffic. By masking your actions from public view, you go a long way toward protecting not only the data; but, indirectly, the people that depend on your business.

Here are some ways proxy servers provide security:

• Usage Controls - Your employees are people with lives. The more leeway you give them, the more they will take. A proxy server can help network administrators prevent devices or users from accessing material, both inside and outside the business’ network. It also provides a construct to keep detailed logs about what interactions people have with outside data.
• Agility - Proxy servers allow for more agile business by saving bandwidth. Since the proxy server will repel any of the information it is designed to propel, your organization’s computing speed for relevant tasks will likely improve.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, but it should give you a better idea about what a proxy server is and how it is deployed. For more great technology information, tips, and tricks, visit our blog regularly. For more information about technologies you can utilize to make your business better, contact the experts at Directive today at 607.433.2200.