4 Ways to Detect VPN & Proxy to Prevent Fraud

Introduction

In today's digital world, VPNs and proxies are widely used to protect online privacy and security. However, these tools can also be used for fraudulent purposes, such as identity theft, hacking, and fraudulent purchases. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to detect and prevent the use of VPNs and proxies to minimize the risk of fraud. In this article, we will discuss four effective ways to detect VPN and proxy usage to prevent fraud.

What's VPN/Proxy Detection Process?

VPN/Proxy detection is the process of identifying whether a user is accessing a website or online service using a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy server. VPNs and proxy servers allow users to hide their IP address and location, making it difficult for websites or online services to determine their true identity or location. While some users may use VPNs or proxies for legitimate reasons, such as accessing restricted content or protecting their online privacy, others may use them to engage in malicious activities, such as fraud or hacking.

How to detect VPN/Proxy ?

There are several methods that can be used to detect VPNs and proxies:

1. IP-based Detection

Websites can check the user's IP address against a list of known VPN and proxy IP addresses.

However, VPN networks are always increasing, so this could be a very complex task. You must continually update your database of blacklisted IPs to stay current with the latest VPN and proxy services. If the user's IP address matches one on the list, it is likely that they are using a VPN or proxy.

2. DNS-based Detection

Websites can check the user's DNS queries to see if they are using a VPN or proxy. Some VPN and proxy services use unique DNS servers that can be detected. Therefore, to detect VPNs and proxies using DNS-based methods, you need to create a database of blacklisted DNS servers. This database should be regularly updated to stay current with the latest VPN and proxy services. If the user's DNS queries match one on the list, it is likely that they are using a VPN or proxy.

3. Port-based Detection

Websites can check if the user's connection is using a non-standard port that is commonly used by VPN and proxy services.

VPN and proxy services often use non-standard ports such as TCP 80, TCP 443, TCP 1194, TCP 1723, and UDP 1701 to avoid detection, so this method may not always be effective. Additionally, some legitimate users may also use non-standard ports for their connections. Therefore, websites must use other detection methods in conjunction with port-based detection to accurately identify users who are using VPNs or proxies.

4. Usage of Third-Party Services

Websites can use third-party services, such as Greip, to detect if a user is using a VPN or proxy. Greip is a service that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze network traffic and identify VPN and proxy connections. It can also detect connections that are using VPN or proxy protocols, such as OpenVPN, SOCKS5, etc.

Greip provides a REST API that websites can use to integrate VPN and proxy detection into their own systems.

For more information please visit Greip home page, or directly checkout the documentation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VPN and proxy usage can pose a significant risk to businesses, and it is essential to detect and prevent them to minimize the risk of fraud. By implementing the above-mentioned strategies, businesses can effectively detect VPN and proxy usage and prevent fraudulent activity.