Technology Basics: Proxy Server

If you’re not tech-oriented, the mere sight of a server room might be a lot to take in. With wires everywhere and mechanical boxes filled with moving parts, you’re looking at the life’s blood of your business and the heart that pumps it through your business’ veins. While proxy servers are a little different from your standard server, this doesn’t change the fact that you probably shouldn’t mess with it. What is a proxy server, and what does it do?

Proxy Servers Explained
A proxy server is basically a device that keeps your end users and the websites you’re accessing separate from each other, but still communicating. A proxy server serves many other functions though, allowing it to be an extremely useful asset for businesses.

A proxy server is great for acting as a gatekeeper for your users’ browsing. It’s kind of like a spam filter for the Internet, as it can keep users from accessing a potentially infected website by providing users with an alternative connection that provides similar protection to what a web filter or firewall would. A proxy server can also cache the data from common web requests, allowing for faster access and a more secure experience.

A Few Benefits of Proxy Servers
Businesses have several reasons to use a proxy server:

• Privacy and Security: Proxy servers are a great tool to keep your business’ privacy and security intact. A proxy server can alter some of the information contained in the web address, and in doing so actually keeps the destination server from knowing where the request came from in the first place. This can help keep browsing habits secure and personal information protected. Plus, a proxy server can encrypt web requests, keeping others from seeing your activity. Several malware sites can be blocked entirely through the use of a proxy server. Furthermore, a virtual private network can be used alongside a proxy to augment security.
• Internet Control: The Internet is a rampant source of distraction, but a proxy server can let you monitor and control the Internet usage of your employees. A proxy server can be used to block problematic websites, so they can stay on track. It’s a great way to make sure your employees are staying focused.
• Speeds and Savings: Bandwidth is extremely important when thinking about how your business’ operations perform. A proxy server can aid you in this by caching websites that are frequently visited. This means that you are limiting the number of requests to the website to one, as opposed to however many times your employees are accessing it.

If you would like to implement proxy servers for use in your business’ infrastructure, give us a call at (703) 821-8200.