What are the different uses of proxy servers?

The different uses of proxy servers can be categorized in two. In a simpler sense, they are used to conceal one's original IP address. Through this, a user can avoid potential cyber-attacks or penalties (e.g. IP blocks) while performing high-risk tasks such as:

1.Automating with bots.

These are widely used in social media automation and sneaker copping. Although bots bring various advantages, websites have been taking action to combat their use in the platform.

2.Web scraping.

 Scrapers send a huge amount of traffic to a target website. Every website owner prefers real human traffic over a bot-generated.

3.Multiple social account management. 

Creating multiple unrelated accounts on a social platform is made possible by proxies. Proxies give each account a distinct digital identity.

In a more technological sense, proxy servers are used to:

1.Forward web requests.

Proxy servers sit between the Internet and the user. It accepts and forwards the requests to the appropriate receiver.

2.Provide anonymity. 

Proxies hide the original IP address of the user. It makes the requests appear like it came from a completely different source.

3.Firewall. 

Proxy servers can be deployed as hosts for firewalls. It protects a network from external threats by checking a traffic's legitimacy.

4.Web filter. 

Various organizations use proxies as content filters to block certain traffic. This helps protect an organization by keeping away unwanted traffic.

5.Bypassing geo-restrictions. 

Proxies allow users to own an IP address with a different location. This is how users can access and bypass restrictions imposed by some websites.