If you are a remote worker or you’re always on the road, handling corporate files, the chances are that you have used private proxies before. In fact, proxies are used by employees worldwide in the form of VPNs to stay safe online.
How secure are you online? If you’re not quite sure, you may want to consider using a proxy service to make sure there’s no one looking over your shoulder at your data and online activity.
But, what exactly is a proxy? How do private proxies work? And how do you choose the right provider? This article will answer all these questions.
What are private proxies?
First things first, let’s make sure you understand what private proxies are.
A private proxy is an intermediary between an Internet user and the Internet. How? It allows you to surf the Internet without disclosing your original IP address, which can be used to track your browsing activity. In other words, a private proxy helps you stay anonymous online by hiding your IP.
There are a few different types of proxies, including residential, data center, shared, and private proxies. Depending on your needs, you can explore the benefits each type offers.
Why do you need a private proxy?
Using a private proxy has many advantages, which is why more and more Internet users are starting to realize its importance when surfing the web.
The main reason why you should use a private proxy is that well, they are private, meaning that you’ll be safe online as no one can track your browsing activity. Moreover, you also significantly minimize the risk of having your personal data compromised, giving you an even higher level of security.
Another great reason to use private proxies is that they allow you to access geo-blocked websites as they hide your original IP address.
What’s more, despite what you may think, private proxies don’t negatively impact your browsing speed as they are assigned to one user at a time. So, there’s no bandwidth overload happening.
How to choose a proxy provider?
Now you know what private proxies are and why you should use one when surfing the Internet.
If you want to improve your online security, you may now be wondering how to choose a proxy provider.
First of all, avoid free proxy services because although you may not be paying with money, you may be paying with your online activity tracks instead. Yes, that’s right, “free” proxy services may actually track your browsing activity, despite promising you that you are safe online.
Secondly, you should look for security and reliability in a proxy provider. Read online reviews about the provider to see what other Internet users have to say about them.
Last but not least, make sure that the provider offers 24/7 customer service. If you can’t reach the provider when you need them the most, like when you have a connection problem or an important question, there may be something shady about the service.
Leland is a successful blogger whose articles aim to help readers with self-development, entrepreneurship and content management. Connect with Rick on Twitter and LinkedIn.