TL;DR
A reverse proxy acts as a secure intermediary between users and your web servers, shielding server IP addresses, balancing traffic loads, and speeding up content delivery. Used by over 81% of websites, reverse proxies offer meaningful security and performance advantages — but they require careful setup and are not a silver bullet against all attacks. Understanding both their benefits and limitations is key to deploying them effectively.
What is a reverse proxy?
A reverse proxy server retrieves information from one or more other servers, but returns it as though it originated from the reverse proxy server.
Typically, two devices talk directly to one another. You tap out a web address, and you connect with the server that holds the content you want. A reverse proxy changes that relationship.
A reverse proxy sits in front of a website's server. A user connects with the proxy first, and that proxy gathers up content and sends it back. The user may have no idea that they're connecting with an intermediary.
Reverse proxy usage is widespread. In fact, experts say more than 81 percent of websites have them. If you don't, or you're not quite sure how they work, keep reading.
How does a reverse proxy server work?
If you want to encourage people to communicate with your website's server, but you also want a bit of control over the connection, a reverse proxy can help.
When users attempt to connect with your website's server, the system reroutes the communication to the proxy server at the network edge. The proxy interprets the request, communicates with the website server, and pushes the response back to the user.
In essence, a reverse proxy ensures that no user ever speaks with your website's server directly.
Should you build or buy a reverse proxy?
You can build your own reverse proxy server, and plenty of companies do just that. But you can also connect with a company that offers such services. You'll save development, testing, and implementation time.
| Build Your Own | Use a Third-Party Service |
|---|---|
| Full control over configuration and infrastructure | Saves development time |
| Requires internal development effort | Saves testing time |
| Requires internal testing effort | Saves implementation time |
| Requires internal implementation effort | Managed by an external provider |
What are the benefits of reverse proxy servers?
Any company with multiple website servers accessible from just one web address might benefit from a reverse proxy server.
Plenty of other benefits are associated with reverse proxy servers, including:
- Greater security. Use a reverse proxy, and you can shield the true Internet Protocol (IP) address of your website's servers from view. Hackers will have a harder time understanding your setup, and that could lead to a lower risk of devastating attacks.
- Enhanced speed. A proxy server can compress content during transit to ensure it loads quickly and easily for the user.
- Improved load balancing. One server won't get burdened with all the requests coming from visitors all around the world. The proxy server can distribute the work evenly.
- Unified experience. Plenty of companies have several domains and subdomains. For example, you might have a standard web address and a secondary address for your blog. Use a reverse proxy, and you can pull in those subdomains under your single address. Some Search Engine Optimization (SEO) professionals believe this can result in better performance in search.
These are just a few of the benefits companies cite when they invest in reverse proxy systems. You may have others specific to your organization and your system.
What are the drawbacks of reverse proxy systems?
While many companies are thrilled with the help that comes with proxies, there are some complications and side effects that could dampen your enthusiasm.
- Complex setup. Many reverse proxy systems require technical expertise to integrate with existing infrastructure, and troubleshooting can be time-consuming.
- Exploitable vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit weaknesses in reverse proxy systems to take over servers or create phishing lookalikes of legitimate websites.
- False sense of security. Implementing a reverse proxy may create overconfidence while attacks still occur; ongoing vigilance remains essential.
Can a reverse proxy be hacked?
Reverse proxy servers aren't immune to hackers either. Some hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the systems, and they take over a company's servers. Others use the technology to make lookalikes of common websites for phishing attacks.
Implementing a reverse proxy can leave you with a false sense of security, all while your website is still under attack. There are certainly security benefits to having one, but you should still stay vigilant.
Understand your options
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a reverse proxy and a regular (forward) proxy?
With a standard forward proxy, a client device sends requests on behalf of users to reach external servers — the server sees the proxy, not the user. A reverse proxy works in the opposite direction: it sits in front of your origin servers so that all incoming requests pass through it first, and the end user never communicates directly with the server behind it.
How does a reverse proxy improve website security?
By intercepting all incoming requests, a reverse proxy shields the true IP address of your web servers from public view. This makes it harder for hackers to map your infrastructure and reduces the risk of direct attacks on your origin servers.
Can a reverse proxy speed up my website?
Yes. A reverse proxy can compress content during transit, which helps pages load faster for end users. It can also distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers through load balancing, preventing any single server from becoming a bottleneck.
Are reverse proxies vulnerable to attacks?
Reverse proxies are not immune to threats. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in proxy systems to take over servers, and some bad actors use reverse proxy technology to create convincing lookalike websites for phishing attacks. Having a reverse proxy should not replace ongoing security vigilance.
Should I build my own reverse proxy or use a third-party service?
Both options are viable. Building your own gives you full control, and many companies do this. However, using a third-party reverse proxy service can save significant time on development, testing, and implementation.
How widely used are reverse proxies?
Reverse proxies are extremely common — industry data indicates that more than 81 percent of websites currently use them, making them a standard component of modern web infrastructure.
References
Usage Statistics of Reverse Proxy Services for Websites. Web Technology Surveys.
What Is a Reverse Proxy, and How Can It Help My SEO? (October 2011). Moz.
HTTP Request Smuggling: Abusing Reverse Proxies. (June 2020). SANS.
New Reverse Proxy Tool Posted on Github Can Easily Bypass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Automated Phishing Attacks. (January 2019). Techspot.
