Tech Term: An Introduction to Proxy Servers

There are plenty of technical terms and solutions that, while heard of frequently enough, it may not be completely clear what they mean or refer to. A proxy server is an excellent example of such a solution. This week, we’ll examine this tech term and review how utilizing proxy servers can help your business.

What is a Proxy Server?
In very simple terms, a proxy server acts as a go-between for your computer and an Internet server. Instead of your internal IP address being made public, the proxy server’s address is instead. This provides a business network with a few crucial abilities and benefits.

Improved Security
Breaches and other security events are no laughing matter to a business. Fortunately, proxy servers can decrease the chance of such events by adding an additional layer of security between your servers and traffic coming in from outside your network.

In this way, your proxy server acts as a kind of fence. While it won’t keep all hackers and cybercriminals out without help from other solutions, it does provide some serious protection that helps keep your systems safe.

Anonymity
Perhaps the most well-known function of a proxy server, the protection of your web traffic is a major business concern. By ensuring your anonymity, proxy servers can protect your research and development, as well as your clients, partners, and (if applicable) your sources. In essence, the proxy server helps to make your actions essentially invisible to outside influence.

Usage Controls
Inappropriate use of company resources is an issue that any business should want to avoid, as it could open a business up to unnecessary risks, not to mention waste finite company time. A proxy server allows a network administrator to to prevent certain devices from accessing certain websites, as well as certain devices from accessing the network at all. Furthermore, a proxy server enables a network administrator to record what content is being accessed.

Speed
Another common use for a proxy server is to save bandwidth through a number of means. Due to a proxy server caching the files and web pages that multiple users access and compressing this traffic, your team can enjoy increased speeds and a smoother browsing experience overall.

So, now that you’re better acquainted with a proxy server, does it sound like something you could use in your network? Reach out to Washington Works at 301-571-5040 to learn if a proxy server would be well-suited to your needs.