Question

A medium-sized organization elects to redesign its network security infrastructure. The IT manager is considering implementing a proxy server to enhance security and improve client performance. The organization's network includes a virtual private network (VPN) for remote access, multiple security zones, and a Unified Threat Management (UTM) system. Which of the following is the primary benefit of implementing a proxy server in this scenario?

a) It will decrease network complexity and reduce the need for VPN.
b) The proxy server can perform application-layer filtering, enhancing network traffic security.
c) It will require additional hardware but won't significantly impact network security.
d) Implementing a proxy server will negatively affect client performance.

Answer 1

The primary benefit of implementing a proxy server is that it can perform application-layer filtering, enhancing network traffic security and improving client performance. It can also decrease network complexity by centralizing security measures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary benefit of implementing a proxy server in this scenario is that it can perform application-layer filtering, enhancing network traffic security. A proxy server acts as an intermediary between clients and the internet, intercepting and filtering data requests. It can analyze the content of the requests and block any malicious or unauthorized traffic, thus improving network security. In addition, a proxy server can also cache frequently accessed content, which can improve client performance. By storing copies of web pages, images, and files, the proxy server can respond quickly to future requests from clients, reducing the load on the network and enhancing browsing speeds. While implementing a proxy server may require additional hardware, it can actually decrease network complexity by streamlining security measures. Instead of implementing security features separately in different parts of the network, the proxy server can centralize the security functions and provide a single point of control and monitoring.