Proxy or VPN: Which Is Better to Surf Safely

When browsing the Internet we have at our disposal different services and tools with which we can improve security and privacy. They are two very important factors for users, since personal data has great value on the network. In this article we are going to talk about what is safer to surf: VPN or proxy . A review of both options and how they can protect us.

Improve security with a VPN or proxy

They are undoubtedly two tools widely used by users. We can use many free and paid options. They serve to encrypt our connection, hide the IP address, location and, ultimately, make browsing more anonymous. There are differences between VPN and proxy. Now, is it safer to browse a VPN or a proxy?

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In many cases both solutions can be confused. The truth is that we are going to achieve some ends that are the same. However, if we consider security and want to maximize anonymity , the best option is a VPN. In this way we will be able to encrypt all the traffic that passes through this service. Instead, a proxy acts as an intermediary and although it manages to hide the real IP address, it does not encrypt the entire connection, but only a specific program.

Typically, a proxy does not avoid sharing certain identifying data . This is a problem if we are going to surf from a public Wi-Fi network, for example. In this case it could be a problem for our privacy and the data would be exposed. On the other hand, a VPN does encrypt all traffic, which is why it is so important to connect to this type of network with these services.

Therefore, our advice if we want to improve security and privacy to the maximum is to surf is to use a VPN instead of a proxy. The latter is interesting if we want to hide the IP address and navigate as if we were elsewhere.

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VPN, a more complete service

A VPN is a much more comprehensive service. We have the possibility of having both free and paid tools. The same happens with proxy services, although in the latter users tend more to use versions that are free.

Here it should also be noted that the free options are not the best solution. Our data has great value on the Internet. This means that the programs we use, the ones that are free, can find a way to profit, to make a profit. It is precisely through personal information that they can obtain something. They can use this information to include us in spam lists, send targeted advertising or even sell it to third parties.

A proxy can be interesting only when we want to navigate with another IP address, as if we were connected from another country and thus be able to access restricted content. But we should not take it into account if what we are looking for is to improve privacy and security when browsing the network. In this case there are no doubts and the best is a VPN.