Did the Purpose of Proxies Change Throughout the Years?

Initially, proxy servers were created to prevent direct internet exposure. While their primary purpose remains the same today, it has evolved nonetheless.

The ever-changing digital world necessities software transformation to keep up with the developing trends. Internet users today expect much more from internet tools than they did back then.

As such, the role of proxies underwent numerous changes to prevent their extinction. Nothing survives in a fast-paced world like today unless it meets consumer demands, and proxies are no exception.

What Is a Proxy?

A proxy server masks your IP address to prevent your online activity from exposure. For instance, when you request by typing the URL and hitting enter, the proxy obstructs it.

Your request passes through the proxy, where the server updates it and forwards it to the web from its IP address. Consequently, it removes your IP address and private information from the request.

Without a proxy server, your request is sent directly to the web, revealing your identity and IP and making your connection less secure.

This powerful tool acts like another computer where your internet requests are forwarded before they are sent to the website.

Qualities of a Proxy

Now that you know what is a proxy, let’s look at some unique features it offers.

Do you fear hackers spying on your sensitive information? Proxies allow you to enhance security by encrypting requests. This, in turn, blocks malware sites and hackers from implementing their malicious practices.
Are you willing to control how people use the internet? Maybe you want to restrict your child’s internet usage or limit your employee’s inappropriate online activities. Proxies enable you to keep track of web requests. On top of that, they allow you to block particular domains.

If you’re unable to access your favorite restricted sites, proxies can save your day. Regardless of your location, you can access online content by ditching blocks set by countries.
You can limit the amount of network traffic. Regardless of the number of users on the proxy, you can cache websites and allow a single request to the site.

How Did Proxy Use Change Over the Years?

Mobile phones were only used to make phone calls and send messages back in the day. Today, the invention of smartphones has evolved their usage entirely.

Individuals use them for entertainment and work, from video calls to screen sharing and sending live locations to sharing media.

Just like cell phone usage has changed over the years, so has the use of proxies. With growing web traffic, your sensitive data is at risk. While more people on the web sounds intimidating, it also comes with benefits.

For instance, it enables you to target your ideal customers if you run a business.

The growing business and consumer needs have seen proxies beyond its benefit of protecting direct internet exposure. We’ll see how.

Initial Use of Proxy Servers

Proxy servers were designed to meet several needs. For instance, they enabled several devices to share a single internet connection.

Besides, they could administer communications with the external world through website filtration. Businesses also utilize them to preserve bandwidth and boost network speed.

The proxy usage then was focused on guarding online activity; today, businesses have seen far beyond its casual use.

Current Use of Proxies

Today, proxy usage has expanded tremendously and is going in the right direction. For instance, businesses have realized what it can offer and how to implement it to tweak their business strategies.

The current use of proxies includes:

Web scraping allows for automated data collection, reducing the hassle of manual work. Everyone today relies on data to improve their business practices. Proxies allow for a secure web scraping project and keep you from annoying bans and blocks.

Creating backlinks. Internal and external backlinks make it easier to rank on Google search results. An SEO proxy allows you to create multiple backlinks with varying domain names and IP addresses, which Google restricts.

Using multiple social media accounts. Every business knows the power of social media and seeks to create a digital footprint by creating numerous social media channels. This comes with the risk of social handles deleting your account. A proxy, however, allows you to manage several accounts with different IP locations.

Growing customer base. A proxy server makes it easy to run ads on Google securely. It allows you to create numerous ads from varying locations.

Faster speeds. Internet proxies allow more users to visit your site by providing additional bandwidth through different servers. This offers greater efficiency and more speed.

Conclusion

Web traffic is growing with each passing day. While this offers businesses an opportunity to grow their customer base, it also comes with challenges.

They need to protect their online data and optimize their business strategies to outpace many online competitors.

Luckily, the purpose of proxies has also evolved, and it has offered numerous ways companies can benefit in the long run.