Lots of people use the internet to try and find free stuff. However, there are lots of risks out there as well. As with everything, there are good proxy servers and bad proxy servers – and unfortunately, a lot of the good ones require you to pay a fee.

Getting your hands on a good free proxy can be exceedingly difficult. Pouring over proxy lists and trying to find a good one is frustrating, especially when you find that many of the proxies you try out are so slow that they are practically useless.

The thing is, being the operator of a fast and reliable proxy server is not easy, as costs mount due to all the bandwidth that users need. If this service doesn’t make you any profit, then you are just giving away your resources. Seeing it through this lens, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to wonder how proxies can be free.

The reason why there are so many free proxy servers out there is, sadly, quite simple: hackers and other unsavoury internet spammers have setup a proxy so that they can get users information. Either that or a real, working proxy has been hacked, without the knowledge of the proxy owner.

If you’ve got no problem with this, then go ahead and use free proxy servers. Just bear in mind that they are likely out there to get your information, spam you with ads, and hack into your computer. Even if they aren’t after any of these things, they will likely offer a super-slow connection.

While proxies are a great way to surf privately and securely, there is always the chance that they are a hacker’s port into your system. Be cautious and always do your research before choosing a free proxy.