do I need reverse proxy or forward proxy?
forward proxy, look at this squid guide
I do not have SSH enabled, is it required?
nope, its for managment, to make changes
Could I use lightppd to achieve this?
dunno
What is the best way to secure this proxy connection?
Setup a VPN like wireguard-easy, so that you are not connecting to your forward proxy through open port to the world, but first through VPN and only then to the proxy.
I want to avoid installing 3rd party apps, but I am happy for inightful posts should these be beneficial
Your browser should have proxy settings, so not 3rd party app needed, though some browser extensions like foxyproxy are nice
Can you post the compose?
Also I thought that frigate is only usable through home assistant, but that only means android app I guess.
Anyway, I am actually in process of picking few cameras, likely going with tplink vigi, like C340 and see if it will play nicely.