Proxy
What is Proxy?
A proxy is an intermediary system that receives a client’s request and forwards it to a destination on the client’s behalf. Proxies are used for security, privacy, performance, and control, such as filtering web traffic, enforcing policy, hiding internal addresses, and inspecting content.
Examples
- A company routes employee web browsing through a proxy that blocks known malicious sites and logs access for investigation.
- A reverse proxy sits in front of a web application to terminate TLS, apply security controls, and balance traffic across servers.
Discover 🔎
Networks are built on direct connections, but security often benefits from placing something in the middle. A proxy is that “something in the middle.” It can enforce rules, record activity, hide details, and sometimes inspect content. Proxies are common in corporate environments because they provide a control point for outbound web traffic and a protection layer for inbound web applications.
Summary 📝
A proxy is an intermediary that forwards requests between clients and servers. Forward proxies control outbound traffic and support filtering, logging, and inspection. Reverse proxies protect inbound applications by handling traffic before it reaches backend servers. Proxies add security and control, but they must be managed carefully because they can inspect sensitive data and can become critical points of failure.
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