Think of proxies as your online invisibility cloak. They hide your true IP address, allowing you to browse the web anonymously. However, not all proxies are built the same. Some are unreliable, and others can even expose your real identity without you knowing.
For casual use, a bad proxy is just an annoyance. But when it comes to business—running multiple accounts or scraping data—it can cause big problems. A poor-quality proxy can get you banned, disrupt your operations, and even compromise security. So how do you ensure your proxy is up to snuff? Let’s dive into the steps to test its security and reliability.
Step 1: Add Your Proxy to a Test Profile
First, you'll need a multi-accounting browser for smooth operations. For this guide, we’ll use Octo Browser. Set up a fresh profile, add your proxy details, and hit “Check Proxy.” This simple test confirms that your proxy is connected and gives you the geolocation of the proxy’s IP.
Step 2: Test Basic Operations with Popular Sites
Next, open Google in your test profile. Do a few searches and visit sites like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook. If everything loads without issues, you’ve passed the first test. There’s still more to check.
Step 3: Use IP Quality Score to Assess Trustworthiness
Now, it’s time to get more technical. Head over to ipqualityscore.com, a site used by security systems to filter suspicious traffic. Enter your proxy’s IP address and check the “Fraud Score.” The lower the score, the better. A score of 0 means your proxy is solid.
Step 4: Verify Whether the IP is on Spam Lists
IPs listed on spam blacklists can quickly get flagged by security systems, leading to blocks or bans. To check if your proxy is on any lists, use services like:
Spamhaus
Spamcop
SORBS (registration required)
MX Toolbox
DNS Checker
PixelScan (IP Check section)
For a more thorough check, try iplists.firehol.org—but be warned: it requires some technical setup. If your proxy’s IP is listed, it’s time to reconsider.
Step 5: Examine the ASN Type
The ASN (Autonomous System Number) indicates whether your proxy is coming from a data center, a hosting service, or a residential ISP. Residential ISPs are generally trusted more than data center IPs because they appear more natural. Use IPinfo or db-ip to check the ASN type. If it’s labeled as residential, that’s a positive sign.
Step 6: Test for DNS Leaks
A DNS leak occurs when DNS requests bypass your proxy and expose your real IP address. This can be a big security risk. To check for leaks, use DNS Leak Test, an open-source tool. If your real IP is showing up, you’ve got a leak to fix.
Step 7: Analyze the MTU Value
While not essential, checking the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) can provide valuable insights. If your proxy’s MTU is unusually low, it might be a sign that it’s causing issues. Use tools like Browserleaks to check the MTU. If it’s standard, you’re likely good to go.
The Bottom Line
Verifying a proxy’s reliability means ensuring it doesn’t leak your real IP, isn’t from a suspicious source, and isn’t blacklisted. Test its functionality on sites like Google, check its reputation with tools like IP Quality Score, and ensure it's not flagged on blacklists. Prefer residential ISPs, check for DNS leaks, and confirm the MTU value is standard. Always test in real-world conditions to ensure your proxy is secure and ready for use.