NordVPN is removing its HTTP proxies

What is a Proxy?

A proxy is a server you can route your internet traffic through, hiding your IP address. The proxy server acts as a middleman between a specific application — your web browser, for example — and the website you want to visit.

With the proxy in play, your internet service provider (ISP) won’t be able to see what pages you’re accessing in real-time. In this way, using a proxy can help you bypass some primitive geographic internet restrictions, and conceal your IP address. That can be useful, but it has its limitations.

Proxies are sometimes confused with VPNs, but they’re markedly different. While a VPN offers protection from cybercriminals and stops your ISP selling your data, a proxy does not.

There are multiple different variants when it comes to proxies, but the one we’re focusing on here is the HTTP proxy.

What is an HTTP Proxy?

HTTP proxies are used mainly for accessing geo-restricted websites and limiting the extent to which an ISP can track online activity. It does not offer any protection against hackers, however, and usually only works with one application at a time.

Previously, NordVPN maintained a number of HTTP proxy servers, although we’ve always recommended that our users upgrade their security with a full VPN. Now, we’re ending that practice.

Why are we discontinuing our HTTP proxies?

NordVPN’s HTTP proxy servers are being removed for two reasons. Firstly, HTTP proxies are often abused, which can have a negative impact on the experience of our other legitimate users. That’s not something we want to facilitate.

Secondly, we have a better, safer alternative: a NordVPN proxy extension that you can install on your browser of choice. Not only is our proxy extension much easier to use than the old HTTP proxies, but it also encrypts your data.

Find out how to install the NordVPN extension on Chrome and other browsers today.

Is our proxy extension better than an HTTP proxy?

Yes! An HTTP proxy might let you bypass geo-restrictions and hide your IP address, but it provides very few benefits beyond that. Your data isn’t encrypted, so your activity will be completely visible to any criminals or hackers intercepting it.

Adding our proxy extension to your browser will shield your personal information in layers of encryption, while still providing the same IP-related benefits as a regular proxy.

Our proxy extension boasts an accessible user-friendly interface and a range of helpful features, including CyberSec and WebRTC-blocking. Better internet speed, stability, and security are only a click away.

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