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

VPN: entity and functionality

VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. Inside 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 includes personal, financial, and technical information. When encrypted information is intercepted, malicious actors cannot utilize it. Encryption is performed for all applications connected to the Internet via VPN, even background ones, because VPN includes the device itself into the private network, not just individual programs and applications. Consequently, protection is provided for the entire connection, functioning at the system level by routing all online traffic through it without exceptions.
VPN successfully conceals the user's real IP address, making it impossible to track the user's geographical location not only for malicious actors trying to intercept traffic but also for the Internet provider and any monitoring authorities. Additionally, VPN allows bypassing geo-blocks, enabling access to websites and opening applications that do not work without it in a specific country.

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 main differences between proxy and VPN are as follows:

• Connection to the proxy server is made by a specific application or program (most often a browser), while other programs continue to operate under the visible, real IP of the user's device;
• Only basic IP masking is present, but traffic encryption is absent, which reduces security but increases data transfer speed, which can be important with large volumes of traffic;
• Proxy servers can filter content and specific websites, denying access, for example, to dangerous sites.

Comparing proxy server and VPN

Of course, every application accessing the Internet can theoretically be configured to use a proxy server, but in practice, such setup takes a long time, and some background processes and services will not use the proxy. Therefore, if a user wants to maximize data safety and their online activity, choosing VPN is recommended. Note that VPN operates slower than proxy due to its traffic encryption feature. However, this feature provides an increased level of security comparable to a proxy server.
Regarding connection stability, VPN also has an advantage, as it experiences few or no disconnections. Proxy servers, on the other hand, are prone to connection drops and periodic server blocks, which can temporarily make them inaccessible.
If you use public Wi-Fi networks, it is highly advisable to run a VPN on your device since these networks are the most vulnerable. Fraudsters often steal data through such networks, especially financial information.
Conclusion: a proxy server is an intermediary that takes your data and delivers it to the recipient, hiding your original IP. A VPN is a private protected network that encrypts all inbound and outbound information. If you need a high level of security, your choice is a VPN.