What Is a VPN Proxy Server?

A VPN proxy server creates a safe, private network between your device and the internet. Remote server routing masks your location while keeping your information private. The dual protection of VPN and proxy rerouting shields your internet activity from surveillance.

VPNs vs. Proxy Servers

Both VPNs and proxy servers can mask your IP address, but they offer different levels of security and functionality:

Proxy Servers

• Forward requests between your device and the internet
• Provide basic IP address masking
• Lack encryption, leaving data potentially exposed to threats
• Operate on an application level rather than device-wide

VPNs

• Create safe, encrypted connections between your device and the private network
• Protect all online activities from unauthorized monitoring by ISPs and third parties
• Provide comprehensive device-wide protection
• Offer superior security through encoded connections

VPNs aren’t without vulnerabilities, though. Malicious groups have targeted remote-access VPN environments to gain unauthorized access to organizations. 

To enhance VPN security, organizations should:

• Avoid relying on password-only authentication
• Implement additional authentication layers, such as certificates
• Regularly update and maintain their VPN infrastructure

8 Types of Proxy Servers

There are several types of proxy servers, including:

#1: Forward Proxy

Acts as a gateway between you and the internet, helping you bypass restrictions and adding safety. Helpful in entering blocked websites at work or school.

#2: Reverse Proxy

Sits in front of web servers, acting as a middleman between users and servers. Enhances security and distributes traffic efficiently.

#3: Transparent Proxy

Works invisibly in the network, handling traffic without client-side configuration by intercepting and redirecting packets at the network level. It’s possible to install these proxies directly on network gateways or routers to monitor and filter internet usage in corporate networks.

#4: Anonymous Proxy

Hides your IP address and identifies information from websites. Ideal for guarding online privacy and avoiding tracking.

#5: High Anonymity Proxy

Provides maximum privacy by removing all identifying information from requests, including HTTP referrer headers, user agent strings, and X-Forwarded-For headers that could reveal the original source. 

Suitable for users requiring anonymity, like journalists or activists.

#6: Distorting Proxy

Modifies your requests to appear as if they’re from a different location or device. Useful for developers testing application behavior under various conditions.

#7: Residential Proxy

Uses IP addresses from real residential connections, making requests seem like they’re from genuine users. 

These IPs are sourced from actual internet service providers across various geographic locations, making them particularly effective for businesses to verify ads and monitor competitor prices.

#8: Public Proxy

Attainable to everyone for free but often slow, unreliable, and potentially dangerous. Best avoided for tasks or personal information.

Benefits of Combining VPNs and Proxy Servers

Combining a VPN with a proxy gives you the best of both worlds. A VPN proxy server offers several benefits, including:

1. Enhanced Privacy for Online Activities with VPN Proxy Servers

Helps maintain privacy by masking IP addresses and encrypting internet traffic. Recent information shows that 93% of organizations now use VPNs for security.

2. Securing Your Private Network with VPN Proxy Servers

Defend against cyber threats like hacking attempts and information interception. Encryption creates a protective barrier around your sensitive information as it travels over the internet connection.

3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content

Set up a VPN proxy server to bypass geographical limitations imposed by websites and services. 

4. Bypassing Firewalls and Censorship

In countries with internet censorship, you can use a VPN proxy server to circumvent restrictions and enter the internet freely.

5. Improved Performance

Some servers can improve internet performance by caching frequently obtained content and optimizing your private network connection for faster page loads and smoother streaming.

Use Cases for Combining VPNs and Proxy Servers

Combining VPNs and proxy servers offers businesses enhanced security and functionality across various scenarios:

Data Collection and Market Research

Companies can leverage the combined power of VPNs and proxies to conduct secure web scraping for competitor analysis and price monitoring. This setup allows businesses to verify ad placements and campaign effectiveness across different regions while maintaining anonymity. 

Also, organizations can safely collect customer reviews and market trends without revealing their identity or intentions.

Remote Workforce Security

The dual system creates encrypted tunnels for employees accessing company resources from any location. This provides multi-layered protection when accessing sensitive corporate data – ensuring secure connectivity even on public Wi-Fi networks. 

For example, businesses often implement VPN solutions that create encrypted tunnels between remote employees and company servers, allowing staff to safely obtain internal resources while securing important information.

International Operations

Global businesses benefit from this combination by bypassing geographical restrictions to access region-locked business resources. 

The setup enables testing of location-based services and content while facilitating secure communication across global office locations. This is particularly valuable for companies operating in multiple countries or managing international teams.

Bandwidth Management and Performance

The combined approach improves connection speeds through proxy caching of frequently accessed resources. 

Organizations can balance security needs with performance through split tunneling, reducing strain on corporate networks while maintaining security. 

For example, a global e-commerce company might use VPN encryption to secure their employees’ remote access while simultaneously employing proxies to monitor competitor pricing and verify their international ad campaigns, ensuring both security and operational efficiency.

Common Misconceptions About VPNs and Proxy Servers

Considering the numerous advantages of VPNs and proxy servers, some prevalent misconceptions exist about these products. 

1. VPNs and proxy servers are the same 

VPNs and proxies reroute your internet traffic through another server, but VPNs encode all your private network traffic at the OS level. Thus, proxies only redirect web requests from specific apps without encryption.

2. Free VPNs and proxy servers are safe

Many free VPNs and proxy services compromise user privacy by logging data and sharing it with third parties. For the best security, choose a reputable paid VPN provider with strong features and support instead.

3. Impact of VPNs and proxy servers on internet connection

VPNs and proxy servers may slightly impact internet connection speed due to information rerouting and increased latency. However, premium servers minimize this effect and can improve performance through connection optimization.

When to Choose a Combined VPN and Proxy Server Approach

When your online activities need the best degrees of privacy and security, VPN proxy servers are a great option. Consider applying this during: 

1. Handling sensitive data

If you regularly work with confidential information, like financial information or personal records, this can help protect your information from interception and theft.

2. Using public Wi-Fi 

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to snooping. You can encrypt your traffic and shield your information from prying eyes using a VPN proxy server.

3. Bypassing censorship and surveillance

It helps you gain blocked content and communicate securely if you live in a country with strict internet censorship or surveillance.

4. Accessing geo-restricted content

If you need to access content restricted to specific regions, like streaming services or online gaming platforms, a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) can help bypass these restrictions. It combines VPN capabilities with advanced threat prevention measures.

Maximize Security with Check Point’s SASE

Check Point offers an integrated SASE solution for enterprise-grade security. This platform combines VPN proxy capabilities with advanced threat prevention measures. 

The system helps secure internet connections for remote workers, accessing cloud and on-premises resources. Through unified privacy controls, organizations can better guard their digital operations.

Join forces with Check Point to elevate your remote access security strategy. Request a demo today to experience how Check Point’s SASE solution safeguards your enterprise networks, business-critical assets, and digital operations.