An SSL proxy is a transparent proxy that executes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and decryption between the user and the server. It’s also known as the ‘man in the middle’ between the user and the server. It ensures that the data transmission between the user and server is secure. The SSL proxy hides your IP address and provides anonymity.
An SSL proxy works in conjunction with HTTPS, meaning Hypertext Transfer Protocol over SSL. An HTTPS proxy uses the HTTP protocol over SSL and it’s widely used on the internet.
How Does An SSL Proxy Work?
A major task that an SSL proxy performs is to emulate server certificates. This means that it presents a certificate which appears to be coming from the origin content server. A web browser can validate the web servers’ identity using this certificate.
An SSL proxy encrypts all the information it transfers between the user and any sites you are trying to access. With SSL encryption, your connection cannot be interrupted. While you are accessing the internet, major browsers will warn you about sites that do not have an SSL certificate.
This proxy can allow or block a connection in accordance with the filter policy. The filtering policy works like this:
- The SSL proxy will intercept connections from the user
- Then it will negotiate with the server on behalf of the user
- It will then check whether the certificate sent by the server is compliant
- It will follow the SSL filter rules if the certificate is compliant
- It will create a fake certificate and present it to the user for verification. Users will receive an error message if the certificate is not installed on the system.
- If the certificate is on the system, the SSL proxy will secure the traffic
Before you get started with an SSL proxy, you may wonder whether or not it’s beneficial to you. Let’s talk more about that.
Benefits of Using an SSL Proxy
Avoid Restrictions
There are thousands of sites that you may not have access to because your ISP, employer or government is blocking them with firewalls. You can only bypass these restrictions and access these sites through VPNs and proxies.
Anonymity
Your identity online is your IP address. Hackers can use it to track and harass unsuspecting users. Governments can also use it to spy on citizens. A proxy will change your IP address and remove the risk of identification to limit this problem.
Bypass Geographical Restrictions
Several sites block users in certain countries from accessing their content. Proxies not only mask your identity, but they also hide your actual location. You can access all the content you want no matter which country you’re in.
Security
Many users are concerned about their data being out there online. Hackers will take advantage of any personal information they find. If you’re using HTTPS proxies, it’s important to hide your IP address. An added SSL layer will encrypt your connection to prevent your data from landing into the wrong hands. This is especially crucial for sensitive information like bank account details and home addresses.
Access to Limited Edition Products
Once in awhile, major brands release limited edition products like electronics, footwear, and other products in particular locations. They also release them in small quantities, so there’s a minimal chance of buying them. With the help of proxies, you can use several proxies, then change your IP address and location for a chance to own these products.
Data Gathering/Web Scraping
The internet is full of important information for businesses and other stakeholders to benefit from. Collecting this information manually on a large scale is a daunting and time-consuming task. Most web scrapings targeted websites automatically block IP addresses that repeatedly request for information. Rotating SSL proxies will allow you to bypass the restrictions and anonymously access the data.
Brand Protection
Cyber-attacks can severely damage a business and lead to loss of clients, financial loss, and a ruined reputation. SSL proxies protect brands by filtering hateful emails, enforcing network security, and monitoring internal internet usage.
Ad Verification
Fraudsters have employed sophisticated means to drive fake ad traffic. Advertising is one of the business’ highest expenses. This means that they make huge losses because their target audience does not see their ads. Proxies will help businesses detect fraud through ad verification, improving ad performance, and anonymously checking on advertisers’ sites.
Other benefits include:
- Providing protection against threats that could be in SSL encrypted traffic
- Obtaining granular application information by decrypting SSL traffic
- Enforcing the use of algorithms and strong protocols by the user and the server
Wrapping Up
An SSL proxy is an important tool for individuals and businesses alike. It adopts an elaborate filtering process to either allow or block a connection to protect the user. Anonymity on the internet, bypassing geographical restrictions, avoiding content restrictions, ad verification, brand protection, and data gathering are all good reasons to use an SSL proxy.
