Proxies and VPNs are used to encrypt user web traffic, improve security, and mask users’ location. However, they also present unique challenges for websites seeking to prevent fraud and other risks posed by proxies or VPNs. Incorporating a Proxy & VPN detection service that can effectively flag these connections is critical.

There are many different methods of detecting proxies and VPNs, including using a database of known proxy server IP addresses (open proxies, Tor exit nodes, etc.), analyzing device fingerprinting (comparing data in packets beyond the header, such as system characteristics and timezones), or examining the characteristics of TLS/SSL handshakes to detect tunneling protocols. More advanced systems use machine learning to analyze a large amount of data and identify patterns indicative of proxies or VPNs. This link https://www.ipqualityscore.com/documentation/proxy-detection-api/overview

Other detection methods are based on the type of client used to make requests to a website. For example, some systems look for specific patterns in HTTP request headers such as X-Forwarded-For or User-Agent. In addition, some systems can detect proxies by tracing the route of a network packet. Some also use device fingerprinting to identify specific devices, such as those using SSTP, which is often associated with residential VPN services.

VPN & Proxy Detection API: Prevent Fraud and Maintain Network Integrity

A best-in-class Proxy & VPN detection service should support multiple detection methods, be updated regularly to ensure accuracy worldwide, and provide smart scoring to avoid false-positives that can occur for IP ranges shared by multiple users and frequently recycled. With a comprehensive IP reputation API, geolocation insights, and risk scores, you can be confident your detection methods are accurate and effective in reducing fraud and improving customer experience.