Identifying users using proxy detection API overview is important for business. Fraudsters use these tools to hide their connection details and commit a range of crimes like account takeover, click fraud, and e-commerce scams.

To detect these threats, businesses must rely on proxy detection APIs to check for these evasive connection details. These APIs help catch harmful agents that spoof their identity and location in order to engage in fraudulent activities. The APIs provide a comprehensive set of security features to safeguard platforms from unauthorized transactions and attacks.

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

Proxies and VPNs are not just for fraudsters; they’re also popular among privacy enthusiasts who want to surf the web more securely. But for business, the underlying technology can pose serious risks to a company’s security protocol. This is especially true for e-commerce sites, where users are often connecting through a VPN or a proxy. This can trigger additional verification steps, such as two-factor authentication or email verification, in an attempt to stop suspicious activity.

One of the best ways to identify users connecting through a proxy is by checking their browser’s user agent against a blacklist of known proxies. Another method involves matching the timezone advertised by the user’s device with that of their IP address. If the timing difference is too great, then it could be a sign that the user is hiding their location or connecting through a proxy.

With a new Residential Proxy Detection feature, IPinfo extends its existing VPN, TOR, and hosting provider detection capabilities to better help identify these evasive connections. It enriches each IP with the proxy provider name, last-seen timestamp, a persistence score, and a mobile flag, so security teams can assess risk in context and tune blocking or step-up rules accordingly.