Proxies help mask IP addresses and strengthen your online security. An IP (internet protocol) address is a unique code assigned to each device when it connects to the internet.
Cybercriminals can leverage your IP address to connect to your system directly. Each device uses ports that enable various services to connect to it. Though it is not easy, it is possible.
By using proxies, you keep hackers away from your original IP address. Proxies route your connection through a different IP, thereby hiding your identity from cybercriminals.
There are two primary types of proxies:
A residential proxy refers to an intermediary that offers IP addresses associated with internet service providers (ISPs). These IPs are legal and legitimate as they point to a physical location.
When you use a residential proxy, you are assigned a different IP address that makes you anonymous. When you visit a website, its security system considers you a regular user (as your IP is associated with an ISP).
As mentioned above, residential proxies are tied to a physical location. However, datacenter proxies offer IP addresses that are provided by a secondary corporation. These IPs are not associated with any ISPs or devices. They are just a combination of numbers, meant to make you anonymous on the web.
Datacenter proxies are cheap and fast. However, they have a reputation for being used by hackers and cybercriminals. On the contrary, residential proxies are often used for legal purposes, like accessing geo-restricted content, social media management, SEO research, and more.
It is easy for websites to detect datacenter proxies because most of their IPs start with a similar number. Also, there are tons of IPs in one subnetwork. So, if a site blocks one IP, all the IP addresses under that subnet get blacklisted.
In the case of residential proxies, they usually don’t have any subnetwork. It means even if an IP address gets blocked, you can access a different one, and continue browsing the site.
There are two primary types of residential proxies:
Let’s take a look at both of them in-depth.
Also known as private residential proxies, static residential proxies assign you a dedicated IP address. It hides your identity online while allowing you to do critical tasks securely.
You should use static residential proxies if you fill forms online, make an online transaction, or access geo-restricted videos. If your IP address changes frequently, it could result in a ban or block.
In rotating residential proxies, your IP address is changed frequently. It helps ensure web servers do not recognize your IP easily.
Use a rotating residential proxy if you want to do web scraping, data mining, or cop sneakers. If your IP address is static, websites can identify and prevent you from scraping or coping sneakers.
There are more reasons to use residential proxies than just hiding your IP address or accessing geo-restricted content.
Here are five reasons to use residential proxies in 2020:
Google delivers different search results depending on the searcher’s location. Residential proxies allow you to route your search requests through local IPs to get the most accurate data.
Additionally, you can use rotational residential proxies for competitor research via web scraping. Web scrapers take your market research to the next level by aggregating, organizing, and processing large amounts of your competitors’ data.
Rotating residential proxies frequently change your IP address, making it difficult for websites to identify and block your web scraper.
Ad verification ensures your ads appear on appropriate sites. It also analyzes fraud, fake clicks, and impressions on your ad. If you run an international or multilingual ad campaign, it is essential to check if it appears.
Residential proxies enable you to check how the ad appears in other countries to make necessary changes (if required).
Social media has become an integral part of our life. Be it an individual or a business. Everyone is using social media to its fullest. However, every social media platform puts a limit on the number of accounts you can manage.
For instance, Instagram allows you to manage up to five accounts, while Facebook lets you create only one account. In case the company catches you, all your accounts will be banned.
But with private residential proxies, you can manage as many social handles as you want. What’s more, residential proxies allow you to use social media automation tools without the platform’s fear of getting blocked.
Shoe sites often release limited-edition sneakers. Since these sneakers are manufactured in a finite quantity, not many people can cop it. This is because many shoppers use bots to copy sneakers as soon as they arrive on the website.
But to use bots to cop sneakers, you need a residential proxy. Ecommerce sites can quickly identify bots, but when used in conjunction with a residential proxy, bots appear like normal users buying the sneaker.
Besides, proxies frequently change your IP address, enabling you to purchase more sneakers than what is permitted by the retailer.
Many websites run geo-targeted offers that are meant for customers in specific locations. For instance, in the US, eCommerce stores run Black Friday sales, while in the UK and Canada, they organize Boxing day sales.
The best residential proxies allow you to visit the site via local IPs to access those deals and save money on shopping.
In 2020, residential proxies have become essential for everyone using the internet. Whether you want to strengthen your security, conduct market research efficiently, manage multiple social handles, or copy sneakers, residential proxies can help you.
Have you ever used residential proxies? How was your experience with it? Let us know in the comments!
