Can sites see that I’m using a proxy

It is possible to detect the use of proxy resources. Analyzing what the site sees when using vpn, the application draws conclusions by checking the connection parameters. But there are also specialized proxy servers or VPN services that try to hide the fact of their use and ensure the anonymity of the user.

Why sites may be interested in identifying Proxy connections

Developers and owners of Internet resources try to protect information from unauthorized use or distribution, so they are interested in identifying Proxy connections. And the answer to the question: whether a site can track vpn usage is obvious. For example:

• Protection against automatic scanning and parsing. If the application detects a large number of requests from a single IP address, it assumes they are bots or scrapers and applies restrictions.
• Blocking regional restrictions. If it determines that a user is trying to bypass a prohibition by using a Proxy connection, it blocks access or restricts functionality.
• User Trust Assessment. A user connecting through an anonymous Proxy server is a possible attacker trying to bypass the protection to phish or attack the page.
• Performance Improvement. Some resources use Proxy information to optimize their own infrastructure. If it detects a large number of users accessing it through a single server, it detects it as caching and the extension uses this to optimize content delivery or manage network load.

Thus, don’t question whether a site sees a vpn – yes, it does if the VPN is unreliable. Proxy connection detection helps resources prevent abuse, protect themselves from security threats, enforce geographic restrictions, and improve the performance of their infrastructure.

What a site sees when using a VPN

When you use a proxy, how does a site realize that a VPN is enabled – it sees the IP of the VPN server, not the real one. Which makes the location uncertain for the internet page.

In addition, the resource is able to see other metadata such as browser, operating system, screen resolution, etc. However, this device information is not necessarily linked to the real location due to the use of VPN.

Some VPN services provide features to hide metadata, making your online activity more anonymous. However, not all services are equally reliable, and some retain logs of request routes, which is used to track the user online.

Proxy detection methods

There are many methods of bypassing security protocols, but there are just as many methods of detecting traces of a visit. VPN detection methods are based on data analysis and include:

• HTTP header analysis. Proxy servers add headers to requests that give away their presence.
• Examining ports. Special ports to handle VPN requests are discovered, without proper protection.
• Anonymity check. If the check reveals that the IP address from which the connection is made does not match the expected one or differs from the user’s location – a proxy is used.
• Response time analysis. If the research shows a long response time from the server, it indicates the use of a VPN service. The proxy server slows down the data transfer and causes a delay in response.
• Parsing server logs. Servers keep logs that can give away the presence of a proxy.
• Network traffic monitoring. Helps to detect unusual activity that is associated with the use of VPN servers.

Among other things, proxy detection services are often used. There are many of them developed, with databases that contain information about public proxy servers, which facilitates detection and timely blocking if necessary.

How websites realize that a VPN is enabled

Owners of web pages are trying to protect them from being hacked or to keep their content unique, so they tend to get several ways to detect VPNs. However, how do sites detect a VPN? Through:

• IP address;
• VPN IP address databases;
• Traffic characteristics;
• DNS leaks;
• Use of shared IPs;
• Specific headers or data.

It’s becoming clear how sites detect VPNs, online resources use a combination of methods and other techniques to detect VPN use. But advanced VPN services make efforts to bypass security complexes, reducing the likelihood of detection.

How to ensure anonymity when using Proxy

The most important thing in case of professional activities or forced geographical blockage is to get not only access to the desired content, but also to maintain anonymity. Therefore, it is worth thinking about the following network security metrics:

Keep in mind that anonymity is not guaranteed and some services will still recognize the visitor’s identity. Therefore, to hide on the Internet, it is recommended to turn to professional tools and services that are designed to ensure anonymity, such as Tor or VPN with strict correspondence function.