The pros and cons of proxy-based security in the cloud

Whenever the word “security” is mentioned people can think of a lock, a bodyguard, or even an alarm. There are many security measures available for different reasons. Each security measure attempts to make a situation more secure in its way.

Achieving security is important, whether you’re a business owner, employee, student, or even an ordinary citizen. Security comes in many forms, depending on what needs to be secured. For your home, you might have a door with a metal lock or maybe an alarm system. 

In the case of information and data, your best bet will probably be proxies. These are the modern-day deadbolt locks for your data and the alarm system guarding your personal information.

Just like your common locks, this helps to keep you safe from intruders and those with malicious intent. This is especially important if you hold valuable data or information. If you belong to any of the at-risk industries then you might want to upgrade your security.

What are Proxies?

Proxies are the modern security measures that do wonders for your security. Just like locks, they come in different forms, each with its own advantage and forte.

At its core, proxies make sure users are safe. They act as an intermediary between the user and the public server. They serve as the tour guide to make sure that the unsuspecting visitor isn’t robbed, tracked, or even scammed.

Proxies have a wide range of functions, a common proxy would be the SOCKS proxy. 

Main functions of a SOCKS proxy:

• Security
• Anonymity
• Geo-locked Content

A SOCKS proxy works by requesting the information from a website and protecting the user. This is achieved by hiding the user’s IP and giving the website a different IP. 

An IP is your digital footprint or address, this can be used to track you down and gather other personal information. A SOCKS proxy stops intruders and those with malicious intent from getting to you by providing them with a fake address to track.

Other than keeping your IP safe, a SOCKS proxy also channels digital traffic through their server. This adds another layer of security by bodyguarding the data being transferred. Guarding and intercepting the information means that all of your data is kept safe.

Just like other proxies, the SOCKS proxy also allows you to access geo-blocked content. This means you get access to certain plugs or bits of information that may be blocked in your country. 

This is achieved by masking your device and making it appear like it is requesting data from a different country.

Overall, proxies help you in several ways, whether it is by keeping you safe or granting you additional access. Proxies serve as the best travel buddy for virtual expeditions.

What is the Cloud?

The Cloud is a group of servers that can be found on the internet. This term is usually used in conjunction with multiple access points and large storage of data. 

The easiest way to understand the concept of a Cloud is by imagining a group of computers, but all of them are online and continue to function. Different Clouds have different uses and are often used to store large amounts of data that can be accessed from different devices.

The Cloud allows users to have a lot of information, data, and even tools readily available. This also lets users save space since all of the tools are found online and not in some clunky physical drives.

Proxy-Based Security in the Cloud

A Cloud-based proxy combines the modern heroes of security and the flexibility of the Cloud. These can often be found through SaaS or Software as a Service and leads to the best of both modern worlds.

This means that all of the servers are found in the Cloud and don’t rely on physical hardware. Everything that the proxy needs to run can be found online or on the Cloud.

These kinds of proxies are gaining popularity due to their amazing customization and low upkeep service. 

Here are the Pros and Cons of a Proxy-Based Security in the Cloud

As mentioned, there are a ton of different proxies and each has its fortes and weaknesses. You can look at the general functions and bonuses of proxies but looking for the right proxy is on a case-to-case basis.

These small differences can greatly impact the performance of the tool and its efficacy in a situation.

Understanding the different pros and cons can help you to decide if a Cloud-based proxy is the best fit for your situation.

Pros Of Proxy-Based Security in the Cloud

1. Smoother User Experience

In the age of digital tools, a smooth user experience is one of the best criteria for a good service. Cloud proxies provide a whole new level of smooth experience since everything is connected online.

Having all of the tools, information, and even processes online means that there are fewer routes for traffic. Having fewer routes or roads for information to travel through leads to less latency and smoother travel from one server to another.

It’s like taking a shortcut when you’re on a road trip. You don’t want to go through an entire highway if there is a shorter path that involves fewer steps. A Cloud-based proxy provides one of the quickest routes possible.

2. Low Upkeep

Since no appliances or hardware need to be cleaned, protected, and maintained, having Cloud-based proxies minimizes the maintenance work. You won’t need to wipe the dust off of a virtual computer.

Considering that all of the processes are accomplished on the Cloud, there is no need to check for hardware issues. If maintenance is being done, then there is no reason to worry about worn-out cables or processors that have overheated.

Cloud-based proxies just have little to no maintenance required.

3. Save Space

Not only do you save time and effort when it comes to Cloud-based proxies, but you also save space. This isn’t about a few extra megabytes but this is about saving physical real-world space. 

Cloud-based proxies allow you to save every inch of your workspace for your work. Having these proxies means that you don’t need to worry about physical devices taking up all of the room.

Not needing space also means you don’t need to be limited to one area. One of the main benefits of Cloud-based services is the ability to be mobile. You get to access everything you need online from any supported device at any time.

4. A New Depth of Scanning

Scanning for malware, viruses, and even encryptions is just one of the normal processes involved in cyber-security. Scanning means that every little nook and cranny is being checked for weaknesses or vulnerabilities that could lead to leaks.

Scanning depends on the tool and the files, Cloud-based proxies have everything online so you can get a whole new level of security scans. This means that every single part gets to be scanned and checked.

5. Customization

Just like most modern takes on tools, the latest versions are all about customization. This means that you can hand-tailor your Cloud-based proxy to do whatever you want in the manner that you prefer.

This works great if you know that you need a particular service or protection from a specific kind of attack. Customization is all about you getting what you need and want the way you want it.

Customization is also present in other proxies but Cloud-based proxies can constantly be adjusted. They also won’t require hardware adjustments or upgrades. You can decide to scan for specific stuff or even change the manner of scans.

Cloud-based proxies serve as your tool and you get to use them as you please.

Cons of Proxy-Based Security in the Cloud

1. The Reliance on API

An API or an Application Programming Interface is software that allows different tools or applications to communicate. They act as the translator between the different applications and provide translations.

Relying on an API means that a specific company or service is involved. This means that certain options can only be possible in specific countries. Certain SaaS platforms are permitted to function depending on the country or location. 

This means that depending on your location, certain processes or applications may not be available. A lack of access to these processes may mean that the entire Cloud-based proxy or a majority of the services may be unavailable.

2. Requires a Certain Level of Expertise

As mentioned, Cloud-based proxies provide an amazing level of flexibility with the option of customization. However, customizing a proxy to what you want and need takes more than a simple yes or no answer.

Customizing software takes a certain level of expertise and lacking in this area may lead to the tool not performing as intended. 

You don’t need to be a hacker to fully utilize the customization features but toying around with something you don’t understand may lead to some safety and even legal issues.

Key Takeaways

Safety comes in many shapes and sizes, depending on your needs and what needs protecting. In terms of your digital exploration and journeys through the internet, a proxy is one of your best bets.

A proxy helps keep you safe and secure while providing you with additional access to certain bits of information. There are different kinds of proxies that help you to achieve whatever you’re working on.

The cloud is a great space for the storage of various data and tools. A Cloud-based proxy is a beautiful mix of the two modern tools. A Cloud-based proxy gives you the best of both virtual worlds.

There are certain pros and cons when it comes to a Cloud-based proxy so make sure you review the list.

Pros:

1. Smoother User Experience
2. Low Upkeep
3. Save Space
4. A New Depth of Scanning
5. Customization

Cons:

1. The Reliance on API
2. Requires a Certain Level of Expertise