Proxy vs VPN

What is Proxy?

An internet proxy (or proxy server) is an intermediary system that sits between your device and the internet. When you use a proxy, your internet requests (like visiting a website) are first sent to the proxy server. The proxy then forwards these requests to the destination website or online service on your behalf, receives the response, and sends it back to you.

What is VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a remote server operated by the VPN provider. This process hides your real IP address, making your online activity more private and difficult to trace.

Difference Between Proxy and VPN

The main difference between a proxy and a VPN lies in how they handle your internet traffic and the level of privacy and security they provide:

• Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet. When you use a proxy, your internet requests go through the proxy server, which then forwards them to the destination website. The proxy masks your IP address, making it appear as if your traffic is coming from the proxy’s location. However, proxies do not encrypt your data—they simply reroute it. This means your traffic can still be intercepted or monitored by third parties, such as your ISP or hackers.
• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) also route your traffic through a remote server, masking your IP address. The key difference is that VPNs encrypt all data sent between your device and the VPN server, creating a secure “tunnel.” This encryption protects your data from ISP tracking, government surveillance, and hackers, making VPNs suitable for handling sensitive information like online banking or confidential work documents.

Below is the table for comparison:

Feature	Proxy Server	VPN
IP Masking	Yes	Yes
Encryption	No	Yes
Scope	Application-specific (browser or app)	System-wide (all device traffic)
Security Level	Low	High
Use Cases	Bypassing geo-blocks, basic anonymity	Secure browsing, privacy, remote work
Cost	Often Free	Usually Paid
Speed	Generally faster (no encryption overhead)	Can be slower (due to encryption)

Summary of key differences:

• Encryption: VPNs encrypt your traffic, proxies do not.
• Coverage: VPNs protect all traffic from your device; proxies typically only cover specific apps or browsers.
• Security: VPNs provide stronger security against eavesdropping and data interception.
• Cost and reliability: Proxies are often free but less reliable whereas VPNs are usually paid and more stable.

In short: Use a VPN if you need privacy, security, and encryption for all your online activities. Use a proxy if you only need to mask your IP address for less sensitive tasks and don’t require encryption.

Security Practices:

1. VPN
   1. Use Strong Authentication
      • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Always enforce MFA, preferably phishing-resistant types such as FIDO2 security keys or biometric methods, to reduce the risk of compromised credentials.
      • Strong, Unique Credentials: Avoid easily guessable passwords and never reuse credentials across systems.
   2. Choose Robust Encryption & Protocols
      • Strong Encryption: Use strong encryption protocols like AES-256 for data protection. Avoid weak or outdated protocols, such as PPTP.
      • Secure Tunneling Protocols: Opt for secure protocols such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec, which provide advanced security features and strong encryption.
      • Enable force tunnelling and disable split tunnelling.
   3. Keep Software Updated
      • Patch Management: Consistently update VPN software, clients, servers, and related devices to address known vulnerabilities, and promptly apply security patches.
      • Configuration Audits: Regularly review and update VPN configurations to prevent misconfigurations and outdated practices.
   4. Implement Least Privilege & Access Control
      • Access Control Policies: Restrict user access based on job roles and need-to-know basis. Use granular authorization rules and security groups to control access to network resources.
      • Certificate Management: Employ client certificates and establish revocation mechanisms for compromised or obsolete certificates.
   5. Provider and Logging Practices
      • Trustworthy Providers: Choose reputable VPN providers with strong privacy commitments and transparent, verifiable no-logging policies.
      • Review Jurisdictions and Policies: Be mindful of the provider’s jurisdiction and its laws around data retention and government access.
   6. Monitor, Audit, and Respond
      • Continuous Monitoring: Enable and regularly review VPN log data to detect unusual access, suspicious activity, or configuration changes.
      • Security Audits: Perform periodic security audits to assess policy adherence and identify potential vulnerabilities.
      • Session Management: Set session timeout policies to limit exposure from unattended connections
2. Proxy
   • Secure Configuration and Access
     • Disable Unnecessary Features: Disallow the CONNECT command or restrict it only to specific ports needed for business, such as SSL (443) and email (563), limiting attack avenues and port forwarding misuse.
     • Strong Authentication: Enforce robust authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access. Consider combining username/password with IP whitelisting to add layers of control.
     • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Use RBAC to minimize privileges, giving users and administrators only the access they require.
   • Encryption and Privacy
     • Encrypt All Traffic: Deploy SSL/TLS encryption so data passing through the proxy is protected from interception or man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
     • End-to-End Encryption: Ensure encryption extends from client through the proxy to the end destination, preventing data leakage at any stage.
     • Proper Log Management: Secure and encrypt proxy logs, limit access to them, and establish retention policies to prevent sensitive information exposure