Security system vs Proxy Server: Understanding Key Differences for Enhanced Network Security

In a world that runs on the internet, network security has found a permanent home at the top of the priority list where businesses and individuals alike find themselves. In securing a network and defending it from cyber threats, firewalls and proxy servers are crucial tools employed. Even though both focus on the safeguarding of users and systems, they have different scopes of operation. This article will discuss what defines each of them, including the functions of firewalls and proxy servers, how they work, and what role each plays in a composite network security infrastructure. 

What is a Firewall? 

Firewalls are network security systems that monitor and control the setup and access of different networks through the traffic coming in and out of the network. Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to the internal most secured area or region of the network from any outside elements including the internet. The security system protects networks by determining whether a piece of data can pass through certain restrictions and detecting any suspicious actions within the system. 

Types of Firewalls: 

• Network Firewalls: These are most commonly hardware devices deployed to secure a single whole network from unauthorized access by scrutinizing internetwork communication (that is, local area network to the internet). 

• Host-Based Firewalls: Programs running on personal computer-oriented systems to prevent such systems from attacks. 

• Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWS): Sophisticated types of firewalls provide intrusive and application-aware security system deep packet inspection and intruder detection systems. 

What is a Proxy Server? 

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between various internet web services and a user’s device. For example, if a user wants to view a certain website, the user will go through the proxy server that would serve the user the information requested that is stored on the website. In some cases, the use of this type of function conceals the IP address of the user thus providing more security and anonymity to the user.  

Types of Proxy Servers: 

• Forward proxies: Used for accessing the resources from the internet on behalf of the users, concealing the user’s IP address. 

• Reverse proxies: It operates by intercepting requests from the clients before they reach the web server which helps to protect the web server further. 

Read More:- The usefulness of VAPT in Cyber Security, Tools, and Testing.

Key Differences Between Firewall and Proxy Server 

Inas far as both firewalls and proxy servers are critical components of a computerized or electrical system, it is important to note they have unique features, objectives, and functions. Following is some of the major differences: 

1. Function 

• Security System: It is used to restrain the two networks, interconnecting two devices' networks or intermissions preventing unauthorized intrusion. 

• Proxy server: This system sits between the client and the website server performing requests and relaying responses and confidentiality. 

2. Primary Purpose 

• Security System: The main intention of a security system is to forbid any access attempts to the private network regarding its connected devices or vice versa. Ie outbound traffic is restricted, and any entered content is blocked and controlled then. 

• Proxy server: Proxy servers are used for posting and achieving a similar set of objectives ensuring there is a dash to exposure from the owner's IP address cerebrum or any other lasting feature storing devices. 

3. Security Features 

• Security System: Within the network all the devices connected wirelessly or through cables can use the following additional security:  

• Packet filtering: This is assessing single packets and producing the decision of allowing or blocking the packet if it is harmful. 

• Stateful inspection: This involves monitoring the connections made with the host server and allowing only legitimate traffic. 

• Intrusion Prevention: This includes denial of any indifferent traffic slant operations including defense from invading systems of systems that are perilous. 

Proxy server: Proxy servers extend 

• Anonymity: Temporary clearance from the server to the user. 

• Content filtering: Containing the facilities within points of a few or no websites access. 

• Caching: A strategy for improving performance and decreasing bandwidth requirements. 

4. Location in the Network 

• Security System: Most of the time, firewalls are positioned along the edge of the network whether it is at the outer circle (perimeter firewalls) or within bounds of organizational premises (internal firewalls). 

• Proxy Server: Proxy servers are located between the internal network and the Internet and perform the role of receiving and transmitting client requests. 

5. Protocol Handling 

• Security System: Firewalls are in the network layer, which filters network traffic by IP address, protocol, or port. 

• Proxy Server: Proxy servers' function at the application level, interacting with selected protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. 

When to Use a Firewall vs. a Proxy Server

Selecting between a security system and proxy is all dependent on the security requirements of your network. 

When to Use a Firewall: 

• You intend to protect your network from undesired intrusions. 

• You want to block traffic originating from outside that contains harmful content. 

• You need to perform network scanning and have capabilities to prevent attacks. 

• You hope to protect the internal network from any external dangerous information. 

When to Use a Proxy Server: 

• There is a need to protect users' IP addresses and provide more privacy. 

• There is a need to take measures that will prevent the use of specific sites and web content. 

• There is a need to enhance the speed of internet surfing by storing commonly accessed information. 

• There is a need to create yet another security measure separating outside users and servers inside. 

Read More:- Cyber Security; Importance, Types, Tips, and Examples?

How Firewalls and Proxy Servers Work Together 

A security system and a proxy server are commonly employed in unison for better network safety. Having a security system in place allows the organization to screen malicious traffic from entering the network and prevent such traffic from making outbound connections. In addition, the users’ web activities are performed through a proxy server which adds an extra level of security because most of the harmful sites cannot be reached. 

For example: 

• To mitigate an attack towards your network, a security system may limit any requests from certain IP addresses that it perceives to be suspicious. 

• On the other hand, while visiting the said websites, a proxy server conceals your IP address, thus disguising your location for the would-be attackers. 

• The concept helps provide a more satisfying security strategy at all levels, which is from network to application level. 

Conclusion 

The firewalls and the proxy servers are equally important in upholding a security strategy against infiltration in a network. However, varying aspects are offered in the two. While security system strategies seek to guard the network by barring harmful traffic and intrusion, proxy servers increase safety, and resources and block unwanted traffic. A better resolution to vast and multifaceted aggressions from the cyber world is by combining the two technologies mentioned above. 

When trying to maintain the confidentiality of valuable information and/or the anonymity of users on the Internet it is necessary to carefully analyze the distinctions between the firewalls and the proxy servers to enhance the optimal design of the network.