Why Stop Anonymous Proxies?

Proxies come in many shapes and sizes. Some are used for legitimate reasons such as office connectivity or for acceleration technology. However, "Anonymous" proxies exist to provide anonymity or to conceal the real IP address or identity of the user. While users may have the right to be anonymous, webmasters also have the right to control access to potentially problematic users.

In some cases, users behind anonymous proxies can pose challenges to webmasters. For example, an angry user who was banned from your forum may attempt to re-enter your site and register another account using a proxy. Webmasters could find themselves in a never-ending game of "whack-a-mole" while the angry user continues to register new accounts with anonymous proxies.

Detecting and Blocking Anonymous Proxies

Detection of anonymous proxies can get extremely complicated because there is no single method to detect them all. Anonymous proxies can come in the form of an HTTP(open) proxy, SOCKS proxy, web proxy, VPNs, and more. Because of these many types of proxies, detection of them is tricky.

Blocked provides a single user interface which allows webmasters to detect and block all anonymous proxies. This is possible through the use of several detection methods combines with various blacklists maintained on a daily basis. The software updates itself with the new blacklist data to ensure that newly created anonymous proxies are blocked. Proxies are created everyday so it's a good idea to be one step ahead. Blocking anonymous proxies has never been easier.

While blocking anonymous proxies may not fit the model for every website, it is a proven and effective way to reduce spam and fraud. Blocking potentially unwanted users can save time and allow the webmaster to focus on more positive aspects of their site.