VPN vs. Proxy: The Definitive Guide To Digital Security And Privacy
ESET, Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Using the internet today is fraught with risk. We're all becoming more security and privacy aware thanks to rising levels of cybercrime, shadowy advertising practices, and government snooping. Data protection regulations like the GDPR and CCPA are there to protect our privacy rights. But not all organizations play fair.
For those who want to take matters into their own hands, virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy servers are a good first step. They help protect digital privacy by routing internet traffic through a remote server to hide your actual location. But don't get the two mixed up, or you could end up exposing your most sensitive data.
Let's explore the main attributes of each, how they differ, and some common use cases.