Anonymizing Proxies - Three Anonymizing Proxies Types Explained

A proxy, also known as a proxy server, is a computer that acts as a mediator between the client computers and other servers

. Anonymous is nothing but hiding identity, hence an anonymizing proxy is one that hides the client's computer identity, which is the IP address while accessing different websites on the internet.

There is a process by means of which this type of proxy maintains anonymity. The web activities of a user are routed through various client computers or servers and hence hide the identity of the original user. These proxies are used in the web browsers and can be started automatically or manually. They are available as plug-ins or add-ons. Although the fundamental idea of anonimizing proxies is the same, there are three different types of it. Below mentioned are the types with factors that differentiate them from each other.

1. Anonymous Proxy: Anonymous proxy does not allow the websites to find the IP address of the original user. This is achieved either by connecting several servers together or by routing the client requests through the computers that have the proxy running on it. Although the IP address of the client computer is stored to be able to communicate with the websites, the information is not shared or made visible to the websites. This makes it the most popular of the three proxies.

2. Distorting proxy: This proxy creates a distortion, meaning this proxy misrepresents the IP address. Here, the proxy does not route the requests through several computers or servers. It routes the requests through one or two servers only. However, when the request is presented to the websites, this proxy shows an IP address which is different from that of the original user. For example, when a client computer accesses a website, the request is sent to a server. This server then routes the request along with the information of the user. However, the server displays an incorrect IP address in order to mask the user and hence prevents the website from tracking the original user.

3. High Anonimity Proxy: This is quite similar to the distorting proxy, except that it is more honest. Meaning, this proxy again routes the request through one or two servers, and instead of providing a false IP address, provides the IP address of itself. This makes it impossible for the website to track the original user.

Anonimity proxies are used for various purposes. To mention a few, ethical hacking, and just a mere user who wants to stay anonymous while accessing certain websites and do not want demographic aware advertisements to identify the location or web activities of the original user. Popular websites that offer free registration to email or social networking use this technique to advertise accordingly. So many users prefer maintaining privacy.

There are quite a few free anonimizing proxies available. To mention a few, Tor, UltraSurf, FoxyProxy and FreeGate. While FreeGate, Tor and UltraSurf can be used on any computer, FoxyProxy can only be used on computers that have Mozilla Firefox installed and is used as a default web browser.

by: Michaels Maxstead

POST COMMENT

Mobile Phone Security - 4 Tips To Keep Your Smartphone From Being Hacked Youth Sermon Illustrations: Need Washing? Youth Illustration: Not Yet Blessed With Yearlong Sunshine Youth Ministry Illustrations: Open Arms (by Max Lucado) Youth Sermon Illustrations: Parable Of The Pencil All About Conveyor Belts Htc Faces Huge Competitive Pressure 3 Ways To Use Plastic Sleeves For Your Own Scrapbook The Smokeless Cigarette Genuinely Helped My Skin Firmness Come Back Make Sure To Go Whale Watching While Visiting Victoria Bc Youth Illustrations: Praying Hands Debit Card Advance- Instant Aid For Short Term Momentary Crisis