Sentrly
HTTP Proxy
A proxy that understands and forwards HTTP / HTTPS web traffic.
Definition
An HTTP proxy understands web protocols and operates at the application layer. It can read request headers (and, for plain HTTP, the body), cache responses, and apply policy rules like blocking categories of sites.
For HTTPS traffic, an HTTP proxy can either tunnel the encrypted connection blindly (the CONNECT method) or perform TLS interception with a corporate-installed certificate, which lets it inspect inside the tunnel.
Example
A workplace runs an HTTP proxy that logs every domain employees visit, caches popular static assets to save bandwidth, and blocks known malware-distribution sites at the gateway.
Frequently asked questions
Can an HTTP proxy see my HTTPS traffic?
Only if it intercepts TLS, which usually requires installing a certificate on your device. Otherwise it sees just the destination domain.
Is an HTTP proxy faster than a VPN?
Often yes, because it's simpler — but it covers fewer applications.