A proxy is a middleman between a website and the user. The proxy can then take the contents of the websites and show them to the user. They can also act as a layer of cyber security that prevents attackers from entering your private network and spreading malware or other threats. Since all communication goes through the proxy, it has some level of privacy, and some IT companies depend on proxy servers.
How do proxies work?
All devices connected to the Internet have an IP address. This is how a device is shown on the Internet, and it plays a role in how proxy servers work. Proxies work differently, but these steps are followed across all proxy servers.
The first step is for a device to request a proxy. The proxy server reads and interprets this request. The next step is to forward the request to the correct internet server. Then, the internet server reads the request and sends the requested data to the proxy. Once the proxy receives the data, it extracts it and checks it for anything dangerous. Once marked safe, the data is forwarded to the device.
Proxies can be used for a few reasons. Some people use them for content filtering and security, and others use them to bypass this content filtering.
Related Stories:
https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-proxy-server-definition-how-it-works-more
https://www.varonis.com/blog/what-is-a-proxy-server
https://superuser.com/questions/265505/how-exactly-does-a-proxy-work
https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-proxy-server
https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/proxy-server
