Is a Proxy just as safe as a VPN ?

[wosiho99]

I asked earlier here if a VPN was a safe way to surf at public WiFi spots....,
but i am also curious to know if it is also safe to use a Proxy server
to go through when at public hotspots ?

What are the Pros and Cons of Proxies Vs. VPN ?

 

[ayzo]

No, you need a VPN. Proxies are not encrypted and anyone can see your data.

 

[PowPow]

No...

 

[mattseh]

Why would you trust some random proxy with your data?

 

[LotsOfZeros]

I recently used a public proxy to set up some new yahoo email accounts - within 12 hours the passwords were changed on all of them. A lot of proxies are set up to steal your data.

 

[xmcp123]

I recently used a public proxy to set up some new yahoo email accounts - within 12 hours the passwords were changed on all of them. A lot of proxies are set up to steal your data.

I mean, why else would you run a public proxy? haha.

 

[alexb]

Think of it this way: If you're using public wifi, you still have to send your data to the wireless access point before it can be sent to the proxy, which then only obscures the source of traffic (you).

With a VPN, once you establish the connection, your traffic is encrypted.

 

[jvincent]

lol so not only is a proxy not as safe as a vpn in the slightest, your traffic wont be crypted, and the proxy owner can packetcapture it themselves if they want to as its all running through their server

 

[wosiho99]

thanks for the great advice ! Finally some decent answers here on Wicked Fire.