Distorting proxy is an unique yet not-so-common proxy type that posses a slight difference from the usal proxy server. This concept might sound new to many. Most people are still not able to figure out the minute difference of a normal proxy and a distorting proxy.
This article will take a closer look at distorting proxy servers while discussing their functionality, security, benefits, and how it works.
The importance of a good proxy server cannot be overemphasized when dealing with web scraping. You might have come across the word proxy, or this might be your first time encountering the “proxy” word. A proxy or proxy server can be likened to using another computer (IP address) to visit a website instead of using your IP address. IT would appear that all of your internet activities come from a different location when using a proxy server. Using a proxy server is very important, especially when dealing with web scraping and surfing the internet generally.
This article will take a closer look at distorting proxy servers while discussing their functionality, security, benefits, and how it works.
Distorting proxy from other proxies can alter the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) header of a user’s IP. This is done to conceal the user’s original IP address helping to protect their personal information while accessing the internet or during web scraping. Users can access remote websites without selling out their identities with a distorting proxy server.
One of the main benefits of using a distorting proxy server (as is the case with using any proxy server) is the security of malicious attackers on the internet. There is also the advantage of avoiding identity theft when web scraping or surfing the internet. Additionally, distorting proxy servers facilitates concealing your original IP address from web administrators and hackers on the internet, which can endanger you.
The difference between the standard proxy and the distorting proxy is frequently misunderstood. Actually, there isn’t much of a difference in how they operate on a fundamental level. The maintenance of the users’ anonymity is the basic goal of both kinds of proxies.
These two proxies only have one fundamental functional difference: how they work. An distorting proxy will change the HTTP header associated with the IP address to hide the user’s identity. Whereas the normal proxy just make use of a proxy address to act on users behalf.
The working principles of a distorting proxy are simple and easy, just like other proxy servers. They act as a gateway between the user and the endpoint website. They also act as moderators that can alter the user’s HTTP headers and conceal their original IP. The distorting server secures sensitive user information, geographical location, browser details, Operating system, and other information.
A distorting proxy’s security is not 100% guaranteed, and you face certain risks when using a distorting proxy. Sometimes, an admin can discover that you are using a proxy to visit their website.
Here are some of the unique benefits of distorting proxies. Please go through the curated list and understand how it will help you access information anonymously.
The first benefit any organization, business, or person receives from using proxies, including distorting proxies, is the security it offers. A distorting proxy offer users security from hackers and cybercriminals looking to access their sensitive information on the internet.
Some websites have location-based restrictions, while some companies also have restrictions for certain websites. With distorting proxies, you can visit these restricted sites without worrying about these restrictions as your IP address is being concealed with distorting proxies.
the IP address of the user is concealed or masked. There is a high level of anonymity when visiting the internet or web scraping. This improves your privacy and prevents hackers from accessing your computer.
You might be surprised to see this but distorting proxies have one characteristic; they support fast caching. This help users access different site with reduced load time and reduced bandwidth usage. A robust caching system implies better connection speed for the user.
This is most likely the most important benefit of distorting proxies for web scrapers. Most websites use the User-Agent (UA) that contains the user’s OS version, browser info, browser version, language, and other details to block automated scraping tools. The website can block crawlers and web scrapers based on the user agent. Distorting proxy generates an HTTP request header, solving the UA standard checks problem.
With the advancements in technology, proxy server providers will be looking towards more innovations to find better ways to improve users’ data security. Proxy servers can be good to use, but it is advisable to be careful and watchful when using them for web scraping and surfing the internet. There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using different proxy servers. Still, the safe thing to do is to do due diligence when picking a proxy server or a proxy service provider.
