Which proxy type protects backend servers by shielding them from direct contact with client requests?

Which proxy type protects backend servers by shielding them from direct contact with client requests?

• A. Load balancer
• B. Intrusion detection system
• C. Snort
• D. Reverse proxy

Answer: (D)

Shielding backend servers from direct contact with client requests is accomplished by a reverse proxy. It sits in front of the server fleet, accepting client connections and handling all communication on behalf of the backend servers. Clients interact only with the reverse proxy, so the real addresses and details of the backend systems stay hidden, reducing exposure to direct attacks. The reverse proxy can also enforce security controls like input validation, access rules, SSL termination, caching, rate limiting, and even WAF functionality, centralizing defense and improving overall security. While a load balancer distributes requests across servers, the protective shielding is the hallmark role of a reverse proxy. Intrusion detection systems and Snort monitor and analyze traffic rather than act as intermediaries that shield backend resources, so they don’t fulfill this proxy-specific function.

Shielding backend servers from direct contact with client requests is accomplished by a reverse proxy. It sits in front of the server fleet, accepting client connections and handling all communication on behalf of the backend servers. Clients interact only with the reverse proxy, so the real addresses and details of the backend systems stay hidden, reducing exposure to direct attacks. The reverse proxy can also enforce security controls like input validation, access rules, SSL termination, caching, rate limiting, and even WAF functionality, centralizing defense and improving overall security. While a load balancer distributes requests across servers, the protective shielding is the hallmark role of a reverse proxy. Intrusion detection systems and Snort monitor and analyze traffic rather than act as intermediaries that shield backend resources, so they don’t fulfill this proxy-specific function.