Benefits of an SSL Proxy: What & How?

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Proxy 101

Most likely you already know a thing or two about proxies, perhaps even the difference between mobile, residential and data center proxies. But what does an SSL proxy mean? What kind of animal in the wild is this? What makes it so special or perhaps different from other types of proxies? Let’s dive into info-ocean and elaborate on what exactly makes SSL proxies so unique. 

Notably, the SSL/ HTTPS proxy type is dedicated to the group of proxies by the protocol which is used to connect online. Another type of protocol representing such a type of proxy is SOCKS5. Since we discussed the classification and types, let’s dive into the topic itself.

What is actually an SSL / HTTPS proxy?

Technically speaking, SSL is any proxy server that uses SSL protocol, representing Secure Sockets Layer, SSL proxies are also called HTTPS proxies, meaning Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

In short, HTTPS proxy is a proxy that uses the HTTP protocol over additional SSL encryption.

How do SSL / HTTPS proxies work?

Often enough you have heard the word encryption. HTTPS proxies utilize SSL to encrypt all the information going between the endpoint and any outside server that is being accessed. Technically speaking the process remains the same as connecting to a regular SSL-Certified website. This type of encryption means that your connection cannot be intercepted and most of the common browsers will immediately freak out if you are trying to connect to a website without an SSL certificate. Sounds fair enough, right? 

What benefits can an SSL / HTTPS proxy offer?

This type of proxies offers two great advantages, both coming from the encryptions. 

In general, they are way safer overall while delivering higher levels of anonymity

SSL / HTTPS – Safer way

The protection layer delivered by SSL encryption connects between your device and the target, which means that even if traffic is intercepted, the likelihood that an attacker can read your information practically disappears. This is extremely relevant for sensitive data as well as online banking or general privacy.

SSL / HTTPS – More anonymous way

The SSL / HTTPS encryption proxies ensure a higher degree of anonymity through additional SSL layer, by removing the risk of identification from intercepted data. Unlike HTTPS, the older version HTTP protocol has no traffic encryption, leaving it in a way more vulnerable state, making it easier to be intercepted by a third party. This is known in technical jargon as a “Man-In-the-middle attack” – one of the least pleasant ways to be hacked.

What can SSL proxies be used for?

The range of utility is relatively wide, starting from web scraping, going through social media management, different types of ad verification, brand protection and so on. SSL encryption delivers us an additional layer of safety and security, because of which we not only become more anonymous but also way better protected. Our little, magical shield during the daily browsing. Who would have thought that a little additional letter S of HTTP(S)  means so much in the modern World-Wide-Web. 

Conclusion

Frankly, it’s relatively obvious that SSL proxies are the top pick for everyday business as well as individual solutions, certainly for users that are conscious about privacy and security.

Our mobile and residential proxies support both of these protocols. Make sure to utilise them to the fullest and benefit from the additional encryption, boosted privacy, anonymity and security.

Augustas Frost

Support Manager

Augustas Frost is a valued contributor at Proxy-Cheap, specializing in proxy-related content. With a knack for simplifying complex topics, he's your go-to source for understanding the world of proxies.
Outside his work, Augustas explores the latest tech gadgets and embarking on hiking adventures.

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