Someone asked us recently how we got our name, and we enjoyed answering the question so much we thought we’d share the story – and get full proxies explained at the same time.
Short answer; we think Full Proxies are best!
Here’s why…
Understanding Proxies: Half Proxy, Forward Proxy, Reverse Proxy, and Full Proxy
Proxies play a critical role in network security, and understanding their differences can significantly impact how effectively you manage your cyber security risks. There are three definitive kinds of proxies (with a range of others that fit into these main categories), each with their own uses: half proxies, reverse proxies and full proxies.
Half Proxy
A half proxy, often known as a “transparent proxy,” handles initial connection setups but doesn’t inspect or control traffic beyond this initial handshake. It simply forwards data packets without detailed inspection or modification. This can be beneficial for straightforward scenarios where minimal interference is required, but its security capabilities are significantly limited.
Forward Proxy
A forward proxy acts on behalf of the client, intercepting requests from users that seek resources from servers on the internet. The main function of a forward proxy is to manage and control client access to external resources. These bolster security by making sure that the client’s IP address is anonymous, enable content filtering, and provide control access to external servers. So, it’s important to remember that the scope of forward proxies is limited to managing outgoing requests rather than meticulously analysing inbound traffic.
Reverse Proxy
A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary for requests coming from clients seeking resources from servers. Unlike forward proxies, which act on behalf of clients, reverse proxies represent servers. They enhance performance through caching, provide load balancing, and offer security benefits such as hiding the server’s IP address. However, reverse proxies typically manage traffic only towards a particular set of servers rather than fully inspecting all data in transit
Full Proxy
A full proxy establishes separate connections – one from the client to the proxy and another from the proxy to the destination server. This configuration allows the proxy to deeply inspect, manage, modify, or even block traffic in both directions, providing the most comprehensive security controls when comparing with half and reverse proxies.
Why Choose a Full Proxy?
It’s no surprise that FullProxy recommend full proxies, for several compelling reasons:
- Complete Traffic Inspection. Full proxies allow for detailed traffic analysis, enabling proactive threat detection and mitigation.
- Advanced Security Controls. They actively monitor, modify, or block suspicious traffic, significantly enhancing overall security posture.
- Enhanced Anonymity. By fully separating client and server connections, they provide an additional layer of privacy and security, masking IP addresses effectively.
Security Advantages of Full Proxies Explained
Key benefits of implementing full proxies include:
- Deep Traffic Inspection: Actively identifies and mitigates threats such as SQL injection and malware.
- Load Balancing: Distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to optimise performance and uptime.
- SSL Termination and Re-encryption: Allows secure inspection of encrypted traffic, crucial for compliance and threat detection.
Real-world Proxy Use Cases
At FullProxy we have successfully deployed full proxy solutions for many of our customers:
- Higher Education: Ensuring secure remote access and data privacy.
- Healthcare Industry: Protecting patient information with secure network management.
- Financial Services: Securing user data through advanced firewall protections.
So what’s in a name?
Full Proxies are better for your Cyber Security
- They offer comprehensive inspection and control
- They help effectively combat evolving and complex threat landscapes
- They’re a significant trade up from weaker options that could be exploited by hackers
- They represent a strategic security decision.
Just like us!
At FullProxy our experts are here to improve your visibility, enhance your defences and help you install & optimise the best cyber technology available. Find out more about us and what we do here, or get in touch for a proxy chat!
