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

VPN: entity and functionality

VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. Within this network, by default, all traffic (incoming and outgoing) is encrypted. Therefore, all information transmitted and received by the user is protected and private only for them. This pertains to personal, financial, and technical information. When encrypted information is intercepted, malicious actors will not be able to utilize it. Encryption is applied to all applications connected to the Internet through VPN, even background applications, because VPN includes the device itself, connected to the Internet, in the private network, not just individual programs and apps. Consequently, the entire connection is protected, functioning at the system level, routing all online traffic through it without exception.
VPN successfully hides the user's real IP address, making it impossible to track the user's geographic location not only for malicious actors wishing to intercept traffic but also for Internet providers and any regulatory 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:

• Connecting to a proxy server is performed by a specific application or program (most often a browser), whereas other applications continue to operate under the visible, real IP of the user's device;
• Only basic IP masking is provided, but traffic encryption is absent, which reduces security but increases data transfer speed, potentially important when handling large volumes of traffic;
• Proxy servers can filter content and specific websites, denying access—for example, to dangerous sites.

Comparing proxy server and VPN

Certainly, each application connecting to the Internet could, in theory, be configured to use a proxy server, but in practice, such setup would take a long time, and some background processes and services would not utilize the proxy. Therefore, if a user wishes to maximize data security and their online activity, choosing VPN is recommended. Note that VPN operates slower than a proxy due to the encryption of all traffic. However, this feature provides an increased level of security comparable to proxy servers.
Regarding connection stability, VPN also has an advantage as it has few or no disconnections. Proxies, on the other hand, are more prone to connection drops and periodic server blocks, which can temporarily make them inaccessible.
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 most vulnerable. Cybercriminals often steal data through such networks, especially financial information.
Conclusion: a proxy server acts as an intermediary, taking data from you and delivering it to the recipient, hiding your original IP. A VPN is a private, secure network encrypting all incoming and outgoing information. If you need a high level of security, your choice should be VPN.