What is a primary benefit of using proxy servers?

Using proxy servers primarily enhances security and privacy. When a proxy server is utilized, it acts as an intermediary between the user’s device and the internet. This means that the user’s IP address is hidden and replaced with the proxy server’s address, which helps in maintaining anonymity online. By concealing the user's location and identity, proxy servers make it more challenging for third parties to track online behavior.

Additionally, proxy servers can filter content and block access to certain websites, which can further protect users from accessing malicious sites and enhance overall online security. They can also cache data, improving response times and reducing latency, but the core benefit is their role in providing a layer of security and maintaining user privacy while browsing the internet.

Other options like improved internet connectivity or increased physical hardware performance do not accurately describe the primary function or benefit of proxy servers. Proxy servers do not directly enhance hardware performance or facilitate faster hardware repairs, as those aspects pertain more to the physical components of a computer system rather than its network interactions.