How to detect VPN IP address of online services and apps employ VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to protect their privacy. But this can also expose them to phishing, fraud and other bad actors looking to steal information or access accounts. In this article, we look at how to detect VPN IP address so that websites can prevent or block VPN usage when necessary.
Detecting VPNs is quite easy for sites and service providers to do. For example, using basic geolocation technologies, a website can identify VPN users by checking if their device time matches the location of their VPN server. If a user logs in to a website from Mexico, Japan and England in successive days, the site can assume that the device is connected to a VPN server.
Understanding IP Geolocation Databases: Mapping Internet Users
Other methods for detecting VPNs include comparing operating system information reported by the browser with the OS detected in packet fields, and using a database of IP addresses associated with VPNs or proxy servers to check against. However, all these methods have their limits, and using multiple detection techniques is the best approach to minimize erroneous conclusions.
There are legitimate reasons to use a VPN or proxy connection, but cybercriminals and bad actors exploit these connections more frequently than they do for good purposes. This is why responsible VPN discovery is essential. This requires a balance of user consent, data protection and transparency in the discovery process. The tools in this article will help you achieve this balance and ensure that the users of your online service or application have a positive experience.