Proxy Detection: Techniques and Best Practices

What Are Proxies?

Proxies act as intermediaries between users and the internet, masking the original IP address.

Types of Proxies

HTTP Proxies

Standard proxies for web traffic only.

SOCKS Proxies

Support multiple protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP.

Transparent Proxies

Don’t hide the user’s IP address but can cache content.

Detection Methods

Port Scanning

Proxies often use specific ports like 8080, 3128, or 1080.

Header Analysis

Check for proxy-related headers:

const proxyHeaders = [
  'X-Forwarded-For',
  'X-Proxy-ID',
  'Via',
  'Forwarded'
];

Timing Analysis

Proxies add latency that can be detected through response time analysis.

Use Cases

E-commerce Protection

Prevent automated bots and scalpers from buying limited inventory.

Content Distribution

Ensure content reaches intended regional audiences.

Security Compliance

Meet regulatory requirements for user verification.

Implementation Guide

API Integration

async function detectProxy(ip) {
  const response = await fetch(
    `https://api.ippriv.com/api/security/${ip}`
  );
  return await response.json();
}

Response Handling

Process detection results with appropriate actions based on confidence scores.

Conclusion

Proxy detection is essential for maintaining platform integrity while respecting legitimate use cases.