Proxy servers are tools that mask your actual IP address, acting as a middleman between the user and a website. Using a proxy server, security systems detect only the proxy's IP address, concealing the user's true identity.
However, proxies are not all created equal. Some proxies are blacklisted as unreliable, while others may inadvertently expose a user's real IP address. An unreliable proxy for casual uses, such as accessing geo-restricted streaming content, poses only a minor inconvenience. However, regarding business and professional activities—like running multiple ads or business accounts on e-commerce platforms—proxy quality can make the difference between smooth operation and problematic access.
In this article, we'll explain how to determine if a proxy IP is reliable, what factors can contribute to real IP leaks, and how to verify all this with just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Adding the Proxy to a Test Profile in Octo Browser and Verifying the Connection
A multi-accounting browser is essential when using proxies for professional purposes. For this walkthrough, we’ll be using the Octo Browser. Begin by creating a new profile, navigating to its settings, adding the proxy details, and clicking “Check Proxy.” This starts a basic IP check to confirm the connection to the server and determine the IP address’s geolocation.
Step 2: Testing Basic Functionality on Google and Other Popular Sites
Now, open Google within your test profile, do a few searches and visit popular sites like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook. If all these load without issues, you can continue with testing.
Step 3: Evaluating Proxy Trustworthiness with IP Quality Score
With the proxy in place, visit ipqualityscore.com. Several security systems rely on this site to assess and filter suspicious traffic. While premium features require a subscription, the free options are typically sufficient. Enter the IP address, and examine the report’s “Fraud Score”—the lower, the better. If the score is 0, you’re good and can proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Verifying if the IP is Listed in Spam Databases
Security systems often flag IPs listed in spam databases, and emails from such IPs may be blocked. To check, use platforms like Spamhaus, Spamcop, SORBS (registration required), MX Toolbox, DNS Checker, or PixelScan (IP Check section). For the most extensive results, iplists.firehol.org is a preferred option. However, it requires downloading their database and writing a script for thorough checking.
Here’s a list of several resources you can use to check your address:
- Spamhaus
- Spamcop
- SORBS — registration required
- MX Toolbox — collects information using several databases at the same time
- DNS Checker — similar to above
- PixelScan — go to the IP Check section
Step 5: Checking the ASN Type
The ASN (Autonomous System Number) type indicates whether a proxy IP is from a data center, hosting service, residential, or business ISP. Use IPinfo, db-ip, whois/rdap, or ripestat; we’ll demonstrate with IPinfo. An ISP classification, meaning a residential provider, is ideal, as it appears more natural than data center IPs.
Step 6: Testing for DNS Leaks
A DNS leak can occur if DNS requests bypass the proxy, potentially revealing your real IP address. You can use DNS Leak Test (open-source) to check for any leaks.
Step 7: Checking the MTU
The test focuses on TCP/IP fingerprinting, although it’s not strictly necessary. MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) represents the most extensive data packet size a protocol can send without fragmentation. Direct server connections typically have standard MTU values, e.g., 1500 for Ethernet or 1480 for PPTP. However, proxies using protocols like PPTP, L2TP, or IPsec often decrease the MTU to avoid fragmentation, which can hint at proxy use. You can check MTU values with most testing tools; for example, we used Browserleaks.
Here we are interested in the MTU value, which can be found in the IP address tab under TCP/IP Fingerprint. As we can see, it equals 1500, which means we have successfully passed the check.
Bottom Line
Verifying a proxy’s reliability means evaluating its trust level from security systems, which is influenced by several factors: its presence in spam databases, the likelihood of revealing your IP address, and whether it originates from a data center or an ISP. Untrustworthy proxies are risky and may quickly lead to account bans.
To begin with, ensure the proxy connection functions correctly in your browser and test basic browsing on popular sites like Google. Then, check how well-known tools evaluate your proxy. Many tools provide an overall rating reflecting the proxy’s quality; try PixelScan, CreepJS, or Browserleaks for quick assessments.
Key factors to pay close attention to include:
- Spam Database Presence: If the IP appears on spam databases, it may be flagged by security systems.
- DNS Leak: Ensure your actual IP doesn’t appear in the DNS server list.
- Proxy Provider Type: ISP proxies tend to be less suspicious than those from data centers.
Finally, always apply common sense: test the proxy directly on your target resource. Each platform uses unique methods and databases for IP checks so that some minor proxy flaws may be manageable in your specific work context.
