Many people think proxies are just tools for hiding your IP address, but they're actually much more useful than that. Here are three very practical use cases:
1. Overcoming Access Restrictions (Geographic/Network Blockades)
This is the most common use case. For example, you might be abroad and want to watch a TV series exclusively available in China, or you're unable to access a website at work or school. Using a proxy in a permitted area allows you to "transform" into a local user, easily bypassing restrictions and accessing the resources you need.
2. Protecting Network Security and Privacy
When surfing on public WiFi, your data could be eavesdropped on. Using a proxy (especially a secure and reliable one) provides an encrypted channel for your network traffic, adding a layer of protection. It also prevents websites from directly collecting your real IP address and location information, enhancing your privacy.
3. Improving Work Efficiency and Data Capture
For Businesses: You can conduct market research and review competitor web content and pricing in different countries.
For developers: Using a proxy (such as NaProxy) during web crawling can help rotate IP addresses, preventing target websites from blocking your crawler due to excessive request frequency, and ensuring efficient and stable data scraping.
From individuals to businesses, a proxy is a "Swiss Army knife" that can solve practical problems.