Understanding Proxy Servers and Their Benefits
A proxy server is a powerful tool that intermediates between your device and the internet. It offers a wide range of benefits, including:
Enhanced Security: Proxy servers act as a protective barrier, filtering web traffic and shielding from potential threats.
Web Filtering: They can be configured to block access to specific websites or types of content, making them ideal for businesses and educational institutions.
Shared Network Connections: Proxy servers allow multiple devices to share a single internet connection, optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing costs.
Data Caching: By storing frequently accessed web pages and files, proxy servers can significantly speed up browsing, especially for common requests.
How to check if your Pulse machine already has a Proxy
Open the Start Menu.
Type "Proxy" and select Change proxy settings.
Check if any proxy settings are enabled.
Figure 1. Windows Settings
The "Use a proxy server" toggle will be on. You will also see the proxy server through which traffic is routed.
Figure 2. Proxy
Potential implications of proxy Use
While proxy servers offer many advantages, it's important to be aware of potential implications:
Certificate Replacement: Some proxy servers may replace the original website certificates with their own, sometimes leading to security warnings or issues with certain websites. Consult your Network Administrator to determine if your proxy uses TLS interception. Alternatively, you can verify this by comparing the certificate fingerprints with and without the proxy. Here’s how you can obtain the certificate fingerprints:
Figure 3. Chrome - Checking for a certificate replacement
Figure 4. Edge - Checking for a certificate replacement
Configure a proxy in OneIQ Pulse
If your organization utilizes a proxy server for internet access, it's essential to configure OneIQ Pulse to use it. Otherwise, it can result in an unsuccessful connection to OneIQ Central, preventing the proper collection and analysis of data.
Figure 5. OneIQ Pulse Proxy Settings
There are three options:
Bypass: Pulse does not use a proxy. (default)
System: Pulse uses the default system proxy configured with the Internet options settings.
Manual: You can manually configure Pulse to use a specific proxy server
Additional Considerations:
For the exact proxy server address, port, and authentication credentials, consult your security team or network administrator.