Various Proxy Server and Filters Explained

When you first view information about Proxies, it may seen that the language used to describe them if somewhere in the neighborhood of gibberish. Often, this detours none-computer advanced people to disregard proxies as something they do not need to know about. This is not the case. Various proxies actually protect the computer user, and the information that they place into their computer.

Protecting Yourself and Others From Unwanted Websites

Often organizations such as school, businesses, churches, and other organizations using the internet use proxies to block unwanted information and websites online.

These proxies are often known as anonymous or transparent proxies. They work by simply placing a filter between the users computer, and the unwanted information. In the even that the information is trying to be obtained, a page will be displayed letting the user know that the website is not available while using that computer.

Proxy server filters are often found on school’s computers. Proxy filters allow the network administrator to block whatever website or area which they do not see fit for the computer users to view. In the case of a school, the filter is used to block out websites such as email servers, chat rooms, games, pornography, racism, and otherwise harmful websites. This works in much the same way as for your employees.

A network administrator by specific URL or Code, depending on the situation. In some cases, where alternative means of connection to the Internet are available, the user may be able to avoid the filter by resetting the client configuration and bypassing the proxy completely.

Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy is a proxy server that is installed in the network of one or more computers. All information and traffic coming from the internet goes through the proxy server. While the main reason for installing a reverse proxy server is added security, there are several reasons why reverse proxies are used.

Security- A reverse proxy server is an added defense by adding an additional layer of security.

Load Balancing- The Reverse Proxy receives information from the internet and in turn distributes the load evenly between each server.

Compression: the proxy server can optimize and compress the content to speed up the load time.

Potential Proxy Server Issues

If Proxy servers are used for security or website filtering , it needs to be checked frequently for potential circumventors. A circumventor allows a blocked user to view pages in which were blocked by bypassing it through an unblocked website. As fast as your span blocker learns to block circumventor’s, new versions arrive on the market.

Circumventors are often used by people that are blocked from a specific website. In the case of school’s, the students may use the circumventor to check their email or visit a chat room when they are not suppose too.

Circumventors, when used properly, are usually safe. The only exception is circumventors run by third parties with potentially bad intentions. Circumventors can be used to obtain personal information, such as credit card numbers, business information, personal identification numbers, or passwords.