Anonymizers are web-based services that make you invisible while browsing by hiding your online identity or IP address and name. The trail of information that is usually left while browsing the net is erased and your activity can no longer be traced back to you. Using an anonymizer, you can access other websites without passing on any of your credentials.
But the question is why would anyone want to hide themselves? Is it legal or illegal? Anonymizers are a double-edged sword and can be put to good use when it is used for preventing identity theft or for minimizing exposure risk to a malicious site. It can also be helpful to avoid the targeted marketing activities which are rampant online. However, this kind of tool is prone to abuse and channeled for fuelling illegal activities, browsing banned content like pornography.
Proxy Anonymizers
A proxy server is an intermediary application program or computer system that forwards the request of the client application to other servers. Proxy anonymizers have become a popular way of browsing anonymously.
Proxy anonymizers usually pick the proxy servers from the various free and open proxy servers list published online. These are not a recommended source because such lists are usually not updated and accurate. Also, proxy administrators can log all the activities that you do with these free proxies and use them for their interests. Another danger is from the spammers and malicious hackers who have proxies set up in these free proxy lists which can be used to integrate to your computer or even collect personal information putting you at risk of online fraud and spamming.
For anonymizing your web surfing, you should use an https proxy anonymizer. These can be commercial proxies or free ones that make use of SSL or SSH encryption between the website, proxy server, and computer. When you use these proxy servers your connection speed might slow down to an extent.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections
VPN connections refer to the private network that connects remote sites through a public network or internet. The users can transmit data across the public network anonymously and safe from cybercriminals and hackers by encrypting the data. Government institutions and corporate widely use VPN to connect to enable the remote workers to connect securely to the office network.
VPN provides a high level of data security and anonymity over the internet with dynamic IP addresses. This allows the VPN users to have a separate IP address for each connection they make. Compared to an SSH or SSL encrypted proxy, VPN anonymizes web surfing without using a proxy.
Free proxy servers are not recommended as they can put your data vulnerable to online fraud and also slow down the system. It’s always best to go for a paid one because data safety should not be compromised. Most of the good brands offer a free trial as well. TorGuard provides the best anonymous VPN and proxy services at competitive rates with a free 7-day trial. If you are not satisfied, they even refund your money with no further questions. With an impressive network of 3000 + servers in 50 + countries, TorGuard guarantees that your data never goes out of the safety net.
