Skip to main content

What Is a Proxy?

Overview​

A proxy (proxy server) is a server that communicates with the internet on behalf of users within a company or organization.
It acts as an intermediary between user devices and the internet—relaying, inspecting, and controlling traffic to improve both security and efficiency.

Originally, proxies were primarily used for caching and hiding IP addresses to enhance performance and privacy.
However, modern proxies have evolved into comprehensive security gateways that integrate features such as malware protection, encrypted traffic inspection, and access control, effectively serving as the “guardian” of an organization’s network.

Key Functions of a Proxy​

Modern proxy servers typically provide the following core functions:

  • Web Filtering
    Restrict access to inappropriate or non-business websites.
  • Encrypted Traffic (HTTPS) Inspection
    Safely analyze encrypted communications to detect hidden threats.
  • Virus and Malware Protection
    Automatically scan downloaded files to prevent infections before they occur.
  • Access Log Management
    Record and audit who accessed which websites and when.

Why Proxies Are Increasingly Important​

Corporate internet usage has changed dramatically in recent years.
The following factors have made proxy-based traffic protection more essential than ever:

  • Widespread Use of Encrypted Traffic
    Approximately 95% of websites now use HTTPS encryption.
    While encryption improves security, it also makes it difficult to detect threats hidden inside encrypted data.

  • Rise of Remote Work
    Working from home or outside the office has become the norm.
    Employees now require the same level of security wherever they connect from.

  • More Sophisticated Cyberattacks
    Phishing sites and malware are evolving rapidly.
    A single careless click can expose critical company data.

  • Stricter Compliance Requirements
    Many industries now require the logging and auditing of internet usage.
    It is essential to maintain verifiable records of who accessed what.

Limitations of Traditional Security Measures​

Installing antivirus software on individual PCs alone cannot address the following issues:

  • Lack of Organization-wide Visibility
    Administrators cannot see what is happening across all endpoints.
  • Inability to Inspect Encrypted Traffic
    Threats hidden in HTTPS traffic go undetected.
  • Fragmented Access Control
    Access restrictions must be configured per user or device, increasing management overhead.
  • Weak Protection for Remote Workers
    Company security policies may not apply to devices outside the corporate network.

How Proxies Solve These Challenges​

Proxy servers address these issues through centralized traffic management:

  • Protect All Employee Traffic in One Place
    Manage and secure communications centrally rather than configuring each PC individually.
  • Safely Inspect Encrypted Communications
    Analyze HTTPS traffic to detect hidden threats.
  • Unified Access Policies
    Automatically apply consistent access rules to all users.
  • Consistent Protection Everywhere
    Whether in the office or at home, employees remain protected through the proxy.

Benefits of Implementing a Proxy​

  • Significant Reduction in Security Risks
    Prevent malware infections and data leaks at the network gateway.
  • Operational Efficiency
    Centralized management reduces the workload on IT staff.
  • Compliance Readiness
    Automatically record and store the necessary audit logs.
  • Cost Savings
    Lower total costs compared to deploying multiple individual solutions.

Emergence of Cloud-Based Proxies​

Traditional proxies required physical servers installed within the company network.
With the rise of cloud-based proxy services, organizations can now begin using proxies without dedicated hardware or complex setup.

Advantages of Cloud-Based Proxies:

  • No upfront investment (no need to purchase servers)
  • No maintenance required (managed by the cloud provider)
  • Accessible from anywhere via the internet
  • Scalable according to organizational needs

PromoProxy’s Proxy Service​

PromoProxy provides all of these proxy capabilities as a cloud-based service.
It requires only a simple browser configuration—no special hardware or complex installation.
From small teams to mid-sized enterprises, anyone can easily implement enterprise-grade security.

You can start with the Free Plan (no initial or monthly fees), test it with a few users, and expand company-wide after confirming its effectiveness.

For more information, see About PromoProxy.