MacOS was popularly known for its secured system, wherein viruses have become their least concern. But they also have a fair share of these bugs. From January to November 2019, the antivirus company Kaspersky considered Shlayer as the topmost threat to the macOS. It has 29.8% shares among all the attacks against macOS devices.
The use of UK proxy and other proxy types is crucial as these help block viruses and protect your devices from other forms of malware. Proxies will also serve as gateways between you and the internet you are exploring. This means that when you are browsing through the internet, you have your IP address, This is a unique address that determines the user’s device and location.
When hackers know your IP address, in some cases, they might attack you or worse, disguise you as you. In this case, proxies provide you with another layer of security. People have their purposes on how they will use proxies. Some may use this to hide their location as they access a specific page or watch movies online.
Proxies also help companies by securing internet activity among employees. These also balance internet traffic to avoid crashes.
MacOS Market Share Worldwide
According to Statcounter, from September 2020 to 2021, macOS Catalina, the latest version of macOS, has at least a 78.32% share in the macOS market worldwide. macOS Mojave follows with 7.23% and MacOs High Sierra with 7.07%.
MacBook users are growing, especially in the US enterprises. In observance of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mac sales increased as users also seek means for their remote jobs. Some were for homeschooling. If you are among those who have purchased or already had one but have no knowledge of how to set up a proxy, you may check these tips.
To get started, you need to configure your device first. There are various ways to set up a proxy server, be guided with the following tips.
In this case, a macOS Mojave version of MacBook is used.
- Click the Apple Icon at the Upper Left Corner of Your Screen
Once you have already turned on your Macbook, you need to search for the Apple Icon located at the upper left corner of your screen. Once you see it, click it, and it will direct you to at least ten options. These are: About this Mac; System Preferences; App Store; Recent Items, Force Quit; Sleep; Restart; Shut Down; Lock Screen, and Log Out.
- Select System Preferences
After clicking the Apple Icon, you now select System Preferences.
- After, You Select Network From the Options Provided
Once you select System Preferences, it will direct you to another set of options such as Bluetooth, Software Update, Security & Privacy, and others. Then, you now select Network.
- Click Advanced located at the bottom-right corner
Once you select Network, you will reach this window. At the bottom-right corner, you click Advanced.
- In the Advanced Window, you Search for the Proxies tab
After clicking Advanced, you will see seven options there including Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, DNS, WINS, 802.1X, Proxies, and Hardware. Select Proxies tab.
- You See the Left Pane, Select Web Proxy (HTTP)
You can also choose the three proxy servers, Web Proxy (HTTP), Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS), and FTP Proxy if you want.
- Then, You Add the Proxy Server and the Port Inside the Text Boxes Located at the Right-Hand Pane
- If You Have Provided a Username-Password for this, Check “Proxy server requires password”
- You Now Add the Username and Password Provided
- Lastly, Click OK
Types of Proxy Servers
Proxy servers come from different kinds. These also have their features. Here are a few of the types of proxy servers.
- Forward Proxy
A forward proxy is usually used for internal networks and is considered the most common form of a server. This provides IP address security for those included in the network. This allows administrative control possible. A forward proxy is also used, together with a firewall, a network security device used to monitor the incoming and outgoing network traffic within a network.
- Anonymous Proxy
As the word implies, the anonymous proxy makes sure that someone’s internet activity is untraceable. This allows users to protect their identities while browsing the internet.
- Transparent Proxy
Companies that do not want employees to know about the existing proxy usually use transparent proxies often. This can provide a frictionless user experience but is also prone to security threats.
- High Anonymity Proxy
This is one step further with the anonymous proxy. If an anonymous proxy makes sure that users’ internet activities are untraceable, the high anonymity proxy erases all the information even before the proxy attempts to connect to the site.
- Residential Proxy
The residential proxy allows users to choose and use a specific location and explore the web as if a real user is in the said area. This conceals the original IP address of the users. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides the IP address to their users.
- Data Center Proxy
Data Center proxies are traceable to the data center associated with them. These proxies also hide the identity of the users. But, due to its availability, some websites have enlisted IP addresses coming from the data centers. Some already block them from visiting their websites.
Conclusion
Setting up your proxy in your Macbook is easy as it only goes through a procedure. But, choosing a proxy that you need falls to a different discussion. You have to select the proxy based on your needs. Given was the list of a few types of proxies that you can consider before you avail them.
The web offers you a variety of information that you can get and learn from. However, you must be aware that not all websites are safe to open. There are web-based threats that may include malicious software programs. These programs are designed to target internet users and the information that they have.
Regardless of your operating system, cybercriminals will always find a way to use the vulnerability of these systems to cyberattack users.
If you have come up this far, have you set up your proxy already?
