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Proxy Server

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[Cyber Security Terms](/glossary)

# Proxy Server

##### [Catherine Chipeta](/team/catherine-chipeta)

updated Jun 25, 2025

###### Contents

## What is a Proxy Server?

A [proxy server](https://www.upguard.com/blog/proxy-server) acts as a middle man that forwards data requests and responses between a user and an origin server.

Proxy servers are commonly used for anonymous Web browsing, bypassing geo-restricted content, and regulating access to content. Different types of proxy servers fulfill different needs, determined by how they are configured and their classification.

As Internet-connected devices, proxies pose a number of [cybersecurity risks](https://www.upguard.com/blog/cybersecurity-risk), and users should exercise caution when using them.

## Types of Proxy Servers

Proxy servers can be classified based on several factors:

* **Traffic Flow** -  Forward Proxy, Reverse Proxy
* **Anonymity Level** - High Anonymity Proxy (Level 1), Anonymity Proxy (Level 2), Transparent Proxy (Level 3)
* **Protocol** - HTTP Proxy, [HTTPS](https://www.upguard.com/blog/what-is-https) Proxy, SOCKS Proxy, SIP Proxy, SMTP Proxy, FTP Proxy, DHCP Proxy, DNS Proxy, Smart DNS Proxy, CGI Proxy
* **Accessibility** - Public Proxy, Private Proxy
* **IP Location/Source **- Data Centre Proxy, Residential Proxy, Mobile Proxy


## What are the Benefits of Using a Proxy Server?

* Anonymous browsing
* Security (if the proxy is [encrypted](https://www.upguard.com/blog/encryption))
* Web filtering
* Caching
* Changing Geo-Location

## What are the Risks of Using a Proxy Server?

* Lack of Encryption
* Data Logging
* [Open Ports](https://www.upguard.com/blog/open-port)
* Limited Privacy
* Inconsistent Speeds

## Key takeaways

* Proxy servers facilitate requests between the user and the origin server.
* Proxy servers do not run through secure connections unless they are encrypted.
* Most proxies operate on open ports, which are common attack vectors.
*
*

###### Reviewed by

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###### Author

##### [Catherine Chipeta](/team/catherine-chipeta)

###### Reviewed by

##### [Kaushik Sen](/team/kaushik-sen)

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## Read more about Proxy Servers

Learn more about Proxy Server and the latest issues in cybersecurity.

[UpGuard](/blog/reverse-proxy-vs-load-balancer)

[Reverse Proxy Vs. Load Balancer](/blog/reverse-proxy-vs-load-balancer)

#### [Reverse Proxy Vs. Load Balancer](/blog/reverse-proxy-vs-load-balancer)

Reverse proxies and load balancers have some features in common but aren't quite the same thing. Learn more.

[](/team/catherine-chipeta)

[Catherine Chipeta](#)

June 25, 2025

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[Reverse Proxies Explained: How They Work vs Forward Proxies](/blog/what-is-a-reverse-proxy)

#### [Reverse Proxies Explained: How They Work vs Forward Proxies](/blog/what-is-a-reverse-proxy)

Learn about reverse proxies and how they could support your cybersecurity objectives.

[](/team/edward-kost)

[Edward Kost](#)

July 28, 2026

[UpGuard](/blog/proxy-servers-vs-vpns)

[What are the Main Differences Between Proxy Servers & VPNs?](/blog/proxy-servers-vs-vpns)

#### [What are the Main Differences Between Proxy Servers & VPNs?](/blog/proxy-servers-vs-vpns)

Learn the differences between VPNs and Proxy Servers to help you make the right cybersecurity decisions for your requirements.

[](/team/edward-kost)

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October 21, 2026

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[Proxy Servers Explained: How They Work, Types, and Risks](/blog/proxy-server)

#### [Proxy Servers Explained: How They Work, Types, and Risks](/blog/proxy-server)

A proxy server is an intermediary server that retrieves data from an Internet source on behalf of a user. Learn more about how they work and their uses.

[](/team/catherine-chipeta)

[Catherine Chipeta](#)

July 28, 2026

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