All proxy server types add an essential layer of anonymity by concealing their users’ IP addresses. And yet, the word “private” in “private proxy” isn’t a simple redundancy. It signifies a tangibly higher level of exclusivity and security provided by this particular type of proxy.
Naturally, a few questions may arise:
- What is a private proxy and the added privacy that it offers?
- How are private proxies used?
- Are there different types of private proxies?
Whether you’re looking to educate yourself on this topic, or considering whether you should buy private proxies, this article will provide you with a steady knowledge base.
What is a Private Proxy?
Before approaching this question, it’s useful to acknowledge that all proxies can be split into two overarching categories: shared and private.
- Shared proxies are intermediary servers used by multiple users, offering a blend of anonymity and internet access at a reduced cost. Most commonly, shared proxies are derived from data centers, where they are supported by a robust, specialized infrastructure, which allows them to deal efficiently with the large amounts of traffic generated by many users. There are also shared residential proxies that, due to their sensitive nature, are typically used by very few users at a single time.
Since shared proxies tend to generate a lot of traffic from a single IP address, they come across as suspicious to most websites and online services with a tendency to enforce anti-fraud measures. However, this issue is more prominent with cheaper proxy services that do not apply a proper screening of their clients first, who may stain the reputation of their servers by performing malicious activities. - Private proxies work the same, though they are dedicated to one person’s use. This exclusivity translates into enhanced security and privacy, as the risks associated with shared IP addresses, like being blacklisted due to the actions of other users, are significantly reduced. This is why private proxies are particularly suitable for sensitive tasks where high levels of confidentiality and security are crucial.
Moreover, private proxies are significantly more stable, reliable, and faster regarding connection performance. The absence of multiple users competing for bandwidth means these proxies can provide consistent speeds, avoiding the variable performance issues often seen with shared proxies.
How are Private Proxies used?
So far, we have established that the one-proxy-per-person rule means better control over the proxy’s reputation, improved bandwidth, and increased security. How does this tie into day-to-day use cases for individuals and businesses?
- Web scrapping. On a smaller scale of operations, private proxies are ideal scrappers. They fly under the radars of blockers that look for tarnished IP trust scores. Additionally, its higher speeds allow for a more fluent collection of data.
- Accessing Geo-Restricted Content. Private proxies enable users to access their favorite entertainment while staying abroad. Whether it’s a streamed series, game region, or online store—private proxies help bypass geographical restrictions.
- Everyday privacy. Not entirely surprising is the fact that private proxies are great at keeping sensitive information confidential. They conceal the part of a person’s online identity associated with their IP address—such as, but not limited to, their approximate geographic location and ISP name.
- E-commerce. Private proxies can be crucial for buying limited-edition products like sneakers, as they help in bypassing website restrictions and increase the chance of successful purchases.
Are there different types of private proxies?
We’re familiar now with the fact that private proxies are a counterpart to shared proxies and that their main general uses are related to data harvesting, bypassing geo-restrictions, and staying secure online. It is now time to delve into their two deeper subcategories: private datacenter proxies vs. private residential proxies.
As we will see, the key distinguishing factor is the level of anonymity each type yields.
- Private datacenter proxies reside in data centers, i.e., facilities with specialized equipment meant to deliver a high-quality performance. Data centers assign their servers with in-house IP addresses versus using ones provided by ISPs. Based on IP origin, websites and online services can detect whether the connection request originates from a data center or a regular household device. This has some implications on full freedom of access to the internet and the level of anonymity, yet it has no effect on its web scraping capabilities.
- Private residential proxies, in contrast to datacenter proxies, receive their IP addresses from ISPs. This is because they are specially set up on actual household devices. Subsequently, online services cannot discern a private residential proxy connection request from a non-proxy one. For this reason, private residential proxies are the better choice for someone looking to access geo-blocked content.
Wrap up
Private proxies stand out for their enhanced security, privacy, and tailored online solutions, from web scraping to accessing geo-blocked content. Data harvesting is best achieved with a powerful data center-backed proxy, whereas extensive access is the specialty of the highly anonymizing private residential proxies. Whichever demand you wish to fulfill, they will definitely keep you private in the process!
