How to Combine Proxy Servers and VPNs for Extra Security

“Ko se čuva, i Bog ga čuva.”
(He who takes care, God takes care of him.)
Let’s get straight into the heart of Bosnian pragmatism—layering your online defenses with both proxy servers and VPNs, like a good sarma is layered with cabbage and meat. One alone can protect, but together they offer a fortress, even if the Ottomans come knocking.

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Understanding the Foundations: Proxy Servers vs. VPNs

Before mixing šljivovica and rakija, know what’s in each bottle.

Feature	Proxy Server	VPN
Encryption	No (usually plaintext)	Yes (strong, end-to-end)
IP Masking	Yes	Yes
Traffic Scope	App/Browser-specific	Whole system
Speed	Fast (minimal overhead)	Slightly slower (due to encryption)
Anonymity Level	Basic (depends on proxy type)	High
Logging Risk	High (depends on provider)	Lower (with no-log VPNs)

• Proxy Server: Acts as a middleman—like a Bosnian kafana waiter, passing your order to the kitchen without the chef knowing who you are.
• VPN: Like being invited inside the chef’s kitchen and eating behind closed doors—encrypted, hidden, and anonymous.

For a free, reliable source of proxy servers, see ProxyMist.

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Why Combine Proxy Servers and VPNs?

As any Sarajevan can tell you, one lock on the door wasn’t enough in 1992. Combining proxies and VPNs means:

• Double IP Masking: If your VPN fails, the proxy still hides your real IP.
• Bypassing Censorship: Some sites block VPN IPs, but not proxies (and vice versa).
• Segmentation of Exposure: Your real IP is hidden from both your ISP and the public internet.

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Layering Order: Proxy Before or After VPN?

It’s like making pita—order matters. Here are the two main ways to combine:

1. Proxy before VPN (“Proxy → VPN → You”)

• How it works: Your traffic first passes through the proxy, then through the VPN tunnel.
• Use case: Useful when the proxy is needed to bypass local restrictions before tunneling (e.g., restricted networks in Mostar cafes).
• Drawback: VPN provider sees the proxy’s IP as your source.

2. VPN before Proxy (“VPN → Proxy → You”)

• How it works: You connect to the VPN; your proxied traffic then exits through the proxy.
• Use case: Best for hiding VPN usage from the destination server (e.g., when Netflix blocks VPNs but not proxies).
• Drawback: Proxy provider can see your VPN IP, but not your real IP.

Layering Order	Real IP Visible To	Hidden From	Best For
Proxy → VPN → You	Proxy, VPN	ISP, Target Website	Bypassing local blocks
VPN → Proxy → You	VPN, Proxy	ISP, Target Website	Evading VPN detection

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How to Set Up: Step-by-Step Instructions

Scenario: Using a Free Proxy from ProxyMist with a VPN

Let’s say you’re in Banja Luka, using ProxyMist for your proxy and OpenVPN for your VPN.

Step 1: Get Your Proxy

1. Visit ProxyMist.
2. Select a proxy (choose HTTPS for encrypted traffic).
3. Note the IP address and port, e.g., 185.23.245.10:8080.

Step 2: Configure the Proxy in Your Browser

For Chrome (Bosnian style, we don’t waste time):

• Go to Settings → System → Open your computer’s proxy settings.
• Enter the proxy IP and port.

Example: Windows PowerShell Script to Set Proxy

$proxy = "http=185.23.245.10:8080;https=185.23.245.10:8080"
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" -Name ProxyServer -Value $proxy
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" -Name ProxyEnable -Value 1

Step 3: Connect to Your VPN

• Launch your VPN client.
• Connect to your preferred server (e.g., Frankfurt for good pečenje and low ping).
• All your browser traffic will now go: Browser → ProxyMist Proxy → VPN → Internet.

Step 4: Verify Your Setup

Visit ipleak.net or whoer.net to check detected IPs.

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Advanced: System-Wide Proxy with VPN (Linux Example)

If you want all system traffic to use both proxy and VPN, use proxychains.

Install Proxychains

sudo apt-get install proxychains

Configure Proxychains

Edit /etc/proxychains.conf:

# At the bottom, add your ProxyMist proxy
http 185.23.245.10 8080

Start VPN

sudo openvpn --config yourvpn.ovpn

Run Applications via Proxychains

proxychains firefox

Now, firefox will route through the proxy, then the VPN.

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Common Pitfalls (or: “Don’t step on the same rake twice”)

• DNS Leaks: Ensure your VPN handles DNS requests; otherwise, your ISP will see what you’re up to (like a nosy komšija).
• Proxy Logging: Free proxies may log your traffic. Use trusted sources like ProxyMist and avoid entering sensitive data.
• Speed: Double-layering can slow down your connection. Test different combinations for the best balance.
• Authentication: Some proxies require a username/password—handle these with care, like a Sarajevo rose.

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Proxy and VPN Types: Which Kombinacija Suits You?

Proxy Type	Best For	Example Use Case
HTTP(S)	Browsing, streaming	Accessing YouTube
SOCKS5	Torrenting, games	Using BitTorrent
Transparent	Caching, filtering (not privacy)	School/work networks

VPN Protocol	Pros	Cons
OpenVPN	Highly secure, flexible	Setup can be complex
WireGuard	Fast, modern, secure	Fewer features
IKEv2/IPSec	Good for mobile	Can be blocked easily

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Useful Resources

• ProxyMist Free Proxy List
• ProxyChains Documentation
• OpenVPN Official
• DNS Leak Test
• ipleak.net
• whoer.net

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“Bolje spriječiti nego liječiti.”
(Better to prevent than to cure.)
In online security, as in Bosnian history, it’s better to build your defenses wide and deep—because sometimes, the one knocking isn’t a friend.