Got the same alert and asked Grok about it, here's the explaination:
Cloudflare operates as a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and a security service for many websites on the internet. Here's how they can be in the middle of you and the website you're trying to visit:
CDN Services: When a website uses Cloudflare, instead of directly accessing the website's server, your request first goes through Cloudflare's network. This is because Cloudflare acts as a middleman, caching content and serving it from locations closer to you, which speeds up load times. Essentially, your browser sends the request to Cloudflare's servers, and then Cloudflare forwards that request to the actual website server, retrieves the content, and sends it back to you.
Security Layer: Cloudflare also provides security services like DDoS protection, SSL/TLS encryption, and web application firewall (WAF) features. When you visit a site protected by Cloudflare:
Your request hits Cloudflare's edge servers first.
Cloudflare checks this request against its security rules, threat intelligence, and various filters to decide if it's safe to pass through or if it should be blocked or flagged (like in the case of the phishing warning you received).
If deemed safe, Cloudflare forwards your request to the actual website's server. If not, it might show you a warning or block the request.
DNS Services: If you are using Cloudflare's DNS service (like Cloudflare DNS or 1.1.1.1), your DNS queries go through Cloudflare before resolving to the IP address of the website you want to visit. This service can also apply security checks, like blocking known malicious domains, which could explain why you're seeing such warnings.
Reverse Proxy: Cloudflare acts as a reverse proxy, meaning it sits between the internet (you) and the website's server. This setup allows Cloudflare to manage all incoming traffic, apply security rules, optimize content delivery, and provide analytics without the website owner needing to change their infrastructure significantly.
Network Infrastructure: Cloudflare has a global network of data centers. When you connect to a website through Cloudflare, your connection might be routed through one of these data centers, which can be closer to you than the actual website's server, enhancing performance.
In summary, Cloudflare's position between you and the website is due to their role as a CDN, security provider, and sometimes DNS resolver, all of which are services that website owners opt into to improve performance, security, and reliability. This setup allows Cloudflare to inspect, filter, and manage traffic before it reaches the actual website, which is why you're encountering their security warnings.