In the cybersecurity universe, the word “proxy” comes up frequently. Whether you’re managing a corporate network or just browsing online, proxies play a vital role in how data moves between your computer and the wider internet.
But does every business need one? We’ll answer that — but first you need to understand what a proxy is, how it works, and what benefits it offers for security, performance, and privacy.
What is a proxy?
A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between your computer and another server, such as for a website or application you’re trying to access.
You might be familiar with the word “proxy” in a legal sense, which refers to someone who is authorized to represent someone else. Similarly, in the world of cybersecurity, a proxy server represents you online.
Instead of your computer connecting directly to a website, it sends the request through the proxy server, which forwards the request and returns the website’s data to you.
Why are proxies important?
While introducing a middle layer in your online activities may sound like an unnecessary complication, that extra layer is actually what makes proxies so powerful.
When you download something or visit a website, the information you receive comes in small packets of data that are reassembled by your device. Normally, these packets travel directly between your device and the remote server. However, if that connection is intercepted or monitored, your data—and potentially your identity—could be exposed.
A proxy is important because it acts as a security and privacy buffer between you and the rest of the internet. A proxy server adds a layer of protection by handling those packets for you and masking your IP address—replacing it with its own, so anyone watching the connection sees the proxy’s identity, not yours. This can help prevent hackers and malicious websites from tracking you, targeting your network, and launching attacks based on your IP address.
Proxies can also be important for network control and performance. In many companies, especially those with sensitive data, web traffic is routed through a proxy. This gives IT administrators a chance to monitor, filter, or block certain types of content before it reaches internal users. A company might use a proxy to prevent employees from visiting dangerous or non-work related websites, for example; they could also use a proxy to scan downloads for malware before they hit the network.
Proxies can also help from a performance standpoint, especially when it comes to frequently accessed web content. If multiple users on a network visit the same website, the proxy can serve the cached version locally rather than downloading it again from the internet, saving bandwidth and speeding up load times.
Does your business need a proxy?
When deciding whether or not you need a proxy, consider your environment and goals. For an individual, a cloud-based proxy service can improve privacy and security while browsing. For businesses, especially those handling sensitive data, operating across multiple sites, or needing granular web content control will find proxies valuable for managing traffic, enforcing policies, and protecting against cyber threats (and are highly recommended).
Three Proxy Types To Consider
- On-Premise Proxies: These are physical or virtual proxy servers hosted within your organization’s own infrastructure. They provide full control over users but can be expensive to maintain, making them less practical for small businesses.
- Hybrid Proxies: These combine local and cloud elements, giving you flexibility to manage internal traffic on-site while still leveraging cloud scalability and filtering.
- Cloud Proxies: Cloud proxies are hosted entirely online. They are increasingly popular as they require little setup, update automatically, and can scale easily as your organization grows.
The bottom line: For most small to mid-sized businesses, we recommend cloud proxies because they offer the best balance of security, scalability, and ease of management without requiring dedicated IT infrastructure. .
Need help evaluating if your business needs a proxy—and which type is right for you?
Proxies have become far more than just a technical curiosity—they are, for many companies, a foundational part of their cybersecurity strategy. By allowing organizations to control traffic, protect data, enhance privacy, and even improve performance, proxies are one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to defend your digital environment. If you’re concerned about web-based threats, need content filtering, or manage multiple office locations, we highly recommend adding a proxy to your business’ cybersecurity armor.
If you’re considering adding an additional layer of security with a proxy but are unsure what type is best for your business, we’d love to help. Reach out to Atlantic Data Systems today and let’s talk about your needs and your online presence to identify how we can help.
