Are Free Proxies Hurting Your Security?

You’re looking for privacy services. And privacy services, whether online or in real life, are all about trust. If you think someone’s shady, you wouldn’t want them to guard your house. Same is with proxies. It’s not that proxies are dangerous by their nature. But the people behind the proxies – do you trust them?
 

How proxies work

When you use a proxy server, you “adopt” their IP address. Your data is sent through one of their servers, which means the website you’re trying to access won’t see your IP but the IP of the proxy server.

This unblocks websites for you. And it lets you play YouTube videos that are not available in your country. After all, your IP is hidden from the website you’re viewing. But your IP is not hidden from the proxy. And while you surf these websites, the proxy server can see everything you’re doing.
 

How proxies are unsafe

Maybe you’re using a proxy because certain content is banned in your country. The proxy might let you access it, but what if it discloses your information to the authorities? Worse still, what if the proxy is a honeypot laid out by the authorities themselves?

Here’s what you can do – instead of a proxy, use a VPN. While a VPN works in pretty much the same way as a proxy (reroutes your data through one of its own servers), it encrypts your data but a proxy doesn’t.

So when you use a proxy and someone intercepts your network, they can read the data you’re transmitting. But with a VPN, when they intercept the connection, they get garbled data that cannot be deciphered.
 

Are all proxies unsafe?

Most free proxies are. But there are also some reliable proxies and most of them are paid. Basically, a proxy is only as safe as the guy running it.

And if you’re okay with paying for a proxy, why not get a more secure option for the same price? VPNs don’t cost much and will protect you by encrypting your data.

VPNs have apps for major platforms, making them easy to use. And they protect your connection from hackers as well. However, if you still want to use proxies, it’s best to stay away from free or new ones.

So, are free proxies hurting your security?

Yes. If someone offers something to you for free, they expect something in return. And they might be looking to infest your computer with malware and to turn it into a zombie. If that’s not a price you’re willing to pay, say no to free proxies.