What are HTTP Proxies?

With the ever-growing exchange of information available on the World Wide Web, there is an ever-increasing threat of dangers like fraud, identity theft, information manipulation, and sabotage. Internet users and businesses have to be perpetually diligent in staving off attacks by malicious software and information-age pirates. Additionally, an individual's rights to privacy are constantly under increased scrutiny in the workplace as employers monitor email, web browsing, and instant messenger conversations.

HTTP proxies can be used by Internet users to disguise their online identity by hiding their IP (Internet Protocol) address. Any computer or device that logs on to the Internet has a unique number assigned to it that enables accurate communication and identification. Thieves that prey on unsuspecting Internet users can use this address to track the user's browsing habits and gain critical information that may enable them to steal the user's identity. Employers use the IP addresses of company computers, along with other methods, to track employees' Internet habits while at work. There is a constant debate over a right to an individual's privacy, but the law will typically side with the employer on the issue.

As a result of these issues, more and more users have turned to HTTP proxies to protect their anonymity in their web-surfing habits. HTTP proxies allow a user to surf the web anonymously, acting as a gateway of sorts. The user can visit any website they wish under the guise of a totally anonymous IP address. HTTP proxies can keep prying eyes off of the Internet user's web browsing habits. They also have the added benefit of typically being compatible with any kind of browser the user wishes to utilize.

However, HTTP proxies are not always secure. Some are left open, either by shoddy management or downright malicious intent. Open HTTP proxies can expose the user to even more piracy attempts and all manners of fraud.

Web-based proxies are typically safer to use and can be nearly as efficient as HTTP proxies, though they do have drawbacks. Web-based proxies can be slow, can contain errors in the displayed information, and can crash during a browsing session. Some web-based proxies are better than others, however, so experimentation is typically needed to find one to best suit the user's needs.

Proxy networks are another viable option available to insure secure, anonymous web communication, though they too have potential drawbacks in inter-network administration, bandwidth issues, and availability.

The demand for anonymous web browsing will only increase so options are continuously becoming more effective and available. However, for every advance in simple anonymous web browsing using proxies, there is a counter-advance in Internet espionage. Use only trusted proxy sources and utilize good judgment when sharing private information such as credit card numbers and identification information on websites.