Internet security is becoming increasingly important, especially because cybercriminals have become numerous everywhere. VPN and Proxy offer cyber security to users, but which of the two is better?
As many aspects of our daily lives such as work, schooling, banking, and shopping shift to online platforms, the risk of losing data and compromising their security also becomes bigger. For this reason, many internet users are trying to find effective ways of increasing their security. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and Proxies are some of the most common security options, and they do near similar things. So, what sets them apart, and which one offers better security?
Difference between VPN and Proxy
A VPN provides wholesale security while a Proxy covers you on the application level. A VPN is essentially designed and built to provide you with cyber security on all levels as long as you are using the internet. It is able to hide your location and connection, as well as your usernames, passwords, and other intricate details about you as an internet user.
In comparison, a Proxy only offers you security on an application level, so that only your user footprint and IP address are hidden. A proxy works as a ‘middleman’ in that it accesses certain websites on the internet and passes the data to your device. With a VPN, you offer protection to all aspects of your internet traffic, but with a Proxy, you are only able to protect certain websites or applications.
VPN offers encryption while Proxy does not
When you are using a VPN, all your data and information is encrypted so that it cannot be accessed by potential hackers, websites, and applications. With this arrangement, even your ISP cannot track your router traffic for information regarding your browsing habits.
On the other hand, a Proxy does not offer any form of encryption, meaning that it cannot offer you the same level of security a VPN does. Since it only masks your location, some of the information regarding your browsing may be available to your ISP through your router traffic.
VPNs require a subscriber fee while most Proxies are free
Because they are built to offer you superior security in everything you do, VPNs come with a monthly or annual subscription fee. You will have to part with anything between $5 and $12 every month depending on the VPN you choose to have for your cyber security.
Most Proxies, in comparison, are free and public. They, however, do not offer premium protection when they are public and free. If you are looking to get premium service from a proxy, you will have to pay for it, but at a lower cost than the average VPN.
VPNs work faster than Proxies
Seeing as VPNs have to encrypt all information on your machine, they have to add a certain level of latency to your internet speed. However, this latency is considerably small, so it may be difficult for you to detect it when browsing.
Proxies, on the other hand, are considerably slower when compared to VPNs. When you are using a public or free proxy, you may detect significant lag with internet speeds. Premium proxies, however, can be a little faster, but not as fast as VPNs are.
VPN or Proxy Which of the two should you use?
Your choice of VPN or proxy is largely dependent on the kind of activity you perform, and the level of security you need. A VPN is an excellent choice for people who perform sensitive tasks such as working, online banking, and shopping on many online platforms. If, however, you mostly stream content online, or download items from sites like the Pirate Bay, you will be good with a Proxy.
Conclusion
Whether or not we want to admit to ourselves, cybercrime is becoming a huge problem, and for people who depend on the internet for major aspects of their lives, cyber security is of utmost importance. Having a VPN or proxy is now a necessity as it allows you a level of security, particularly where intricate details are concerned. Be certain to conduct as much research as you can on available VPNs and Proxies, and on how best they can serve you depending on your specific needs.
