Сравнение VPN и прокси-серверов: что лучше для безопасности и конфиденц иальности

VPN: Entity and Functionality

VPN — is an abbreviation of Virtual Private Network. Within this network, all traffic (incoming and outgoing) is encrypted by default. Therefore, all information transmitted and received by the user is protected and private only for them. This applies to personal, financial, and technical information. When encrypted information is intercepted, malicious actors cannot misuse it. Encryption is carried out for all applications connected to the Internet through VPN, even background processes, because VPN includes the device itself in the private network, not just individual programs and applications. Consequently, protection is provided for the entire connection, operating at the system level, routing all online traffic through itself without exception. VPN successfully conceals the user's real IP address, making it impossible to track the user's geographic location not only for cybercriminals trying to intercept traffic but also for the Internet provider and any controlling authorities. Additionally, VPN allows bypassing geo-blocks, enabling access to websites and applications that do not work without it in specific countries.

Proxy Server: Entity and Functionality

While a proxy server can also hide the user's real IP address, it has several differences from VPN. The key distinctions between proxy and VPN are as follows:

• Connection to a proxy server is made by a specific application or program (most often a browser), while other programs operate under the visible, real IP of the user's device;
• Only basic masking of the user's IP is provided, but there is no traffic encryption, which reduces security but increases data transfer speed—a factor that might be important with large amounts of traffic;
• Proxy servers can filter content and individual websites, blocking access to, for example, dangerous sites.

Comparing Proxy Server and VPN

Of course, any application connecting to the Internet can theoretically be configured to use a proxy server, but in practice, such configuration takes a long time, and some background processes and services will not use the proxy. Therefore, if a user wants to maximize data security and their online activity, choosing a VPN is advisable. It’s worth noting that VPNs operate slower than proxies due to their encryption function for all traffic. However, this feature provides a higher level of security comparable to a proxy server. In terms of connection stability, VPN also has the advantage, as it rarely disconnects or experiences outages. Proxies, on the other hand, are susceptible to disconnections and periodic server blocks, which can temporarily make it inaccessible for connection. If you use public Wi-Fi networks, it is highly recommended to run a VPN on your device, as these networks are known to be the most vulnerable. Cybercriminals often steal data through them, especially financial information. Conclusion: a proxy server is an intermediary that takes data from you and delivers it to the recipient, hiding your original IP. A VPN is a private protected network that encrypts all incoming and outgoing information. If you need a high level of security, your choice should be a VPN.