Capterra Glossary
Proxy Server
A proxy server is a gateway between computer users and the internet. This intermediary server separates end users from the websites they want to browse. It helps prevent cyberattackers from accessing private networks. Proxy servers can also be set up as web filters or firewalls to block malware from entering computer systems.
When a user sends a web request, it first goes to the proxy server, which then makes the web request on the user's behalf, collects the results from the web server, and forwards the web page data to the user so they can see the page in their browser. This process conceals the user's IP address from being accessed by internet servers, which assists as a security precaution.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Proxy Server
Proxy servers are often used by SMBs to improve network security and control employee internet usage. Proxy servers act as a barrier, blocking the IP addresses of company computers from being accessed by unauthorized servers. This saves SMBs from the consequences of malicious cyberattacks, such as the loss of revenue or damaged public reputation due to data breaches. Proxy servers also allow administrators to block employees from accessing unauthorized websites using company computers.
Related Terms
- Synchronous
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Intranet
- Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Managed Service Provider (MSP)
- Haptics
- WAN (Wide-Area Network)
- Service-oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
- Scalability
- Data Center
- Authorization
- Multitenancy