Start Using Proxies For More Privacy


by Wayne Cutforth - Date: 2008-09-03 - Word Count: 511 Share This!

Using a proxy has its advantages as and in this article we are going to talk about how to use proxies, how they work, the best ones to use, and their disadvantages.

Proxies have been around for as long as the Internet. A proxy is best defined as a middle man that handles data and communications for another entity on their behalf. The most common type of proxy is in the form of an Internet website. You simply visit the website, enter your web address that you want to go to and you are away. Proxies work by acting as a middle man and handling data on your behalf, thus eliminating threats like viruses and Trojans. Not only this, but it also hides your identity from the outside world.

Every website you visit collects certain information about you. The information that is collected and how it is used varies. The most common information collected is your IP address, geographical location, Internet browser you are using, and you ISP. These are the basics of what is collected. With advancing technologies giving rise to ever more sophisticated way of collecting data about you, you will be surprised about what a simple visit to a website reveals.

So are these proxies safe you may ask? Which are the best ones to use?

The majority of proxies are safe. However, you should be aware that some people that run these sites act with malicious intent. They do not care about your privacy and are more concerned about disrupting it and your computer system. Always check forums, newsgroups etc and try to find out as much information about a proxy before using it.

There will be people that have used it who will have had either a positive or negative experience. You can use this to help reach a decision. You can also check the hosting provider of the proxy. If the hosting provider is reputable then the chances are that websites are safe and secure and pose no threat to you. If you do have a negative experience, contact the hosting provider and put in a complaint and they will take action.

Proxies exist all over the world and location, location, location is a key factor here. Firstly, you want to look at where the proxy is being hosted. Avoid places like North Korea, Iran for obvious reasons. Secondly, look at how much the country of where the website is being hosted respects your privacy.

If your proxy is hosted in the United States, for example, this may be a poor choice. Ideally, you want jurisdictions that have tight privacy laws in place to maximise protection on all fronts. Probably the best two in the world are Panama and Guatemala. Both countries have tight privacy and secrecy laws and make attractive options above the US, Canada and EU countries. Also, like I have said before, avoid places like North Korea, Iran and Nigeria.

If you surf behind a proxy that is hosted in these countries then you are asking for trouble and are likely to run into problems.


Related Tags: anonymous proxy, free surfing, free anonymous surfing, free browsing

I hope you have enjoyed this article and have found it useful. The author lives in England and has his own proxy resource site offering tips and reviews on products. You are welcome to visit the website for free surfing and hope you find it helpful.

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