Web proxies act as intermediaries between users and the internet, enhancing privacy and security by masking IP addresses and filtering content. They are essential tools for protecting sensitive data and maintaining anonymity online.

Proxies enhance network security by acting as a barrier between internal networks and external threats. They can filter malicious traffic, enforce security policies, and provide anonymity, which helps in preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.

There are several types of proxies, including HTTP proxies, SOCKS proxies, transparent proxies, and reverse proxies. Each type serves different purposes, such as caching, content filtering, or load balancing, catering to various security and performance needs.