
A proxy server isn't just a tool—it's your digital disguise. It masks your real IP address, acting as the middleman between you and the web. When done right, it keeps your identity under wraps. However, not all proxies are created equal.
Some proxies are sketchy, blacklisted, or even leak your real IP. For casual browsing, that's a mild annoyance. But if you're managing multiple business accounts, running ads, or handling sensitive operations—this can cost you big time. Account bans, lost access, or worse.
So how do you actually know if your proxy is secure and reliable? Here's a clear, no-fluff, step-by-step process to check your proxy's trustworthiness—without needing to be a tech guru.
Professional proxy use demands professional tools. Octo Browser is perfect here. Set up a new profile, add your proxy details, and hit "Check Proxy." This quick IP check verifies if your proxy connects properly and shows where the IP is geolocated.
If Octo's not your style, alternatives like MoreLogin or other anti-detect browsers work just as well.
Open Google, Amazon, Facebook and browse as usual. If pages load smoothly, that's a good sign. If they fail or lag, it indicates a potential issue. A reliable proxy should handle everyday websites without problems.
This is a game-changer. IPQualityScore is trusted by top security systems worldwide. Just enter your proxy's IP and look for the "Fraud Score." The lower, the better.
Spam databases love to blacklist sketchy IPs, and if your proxy's on one, your emails or actions might get blocked. Use tools like:
Spamhaus
Spamcop
SORBS (you'll need to register)
MX Toolbox (checks multiple lists)
DNS Checker
PixelScan (IP Check section)
For a deep dive, iplists.firehol.org offers huge databases—but it requires some scripting skills to analyze.
ASN tells you the proxy's origin. Residential IPs (from ISPs) look natural and are preferred. Data center IPs? More likely to get flagged.
Use IPinfo, db-ip, whois/rdap, or ripestat to find this info. Residential is the sweet spot here.
A DNS leak means your requests slip past the proxy, revealing your true IP. Use open-source tools like DNS Leak Test to make sure you're airtight.
MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) is a geeky but important metric. It measures the biggest packet size your network sends without breaking up data.
Why care? Proxies sometimes reduce MTU to avoid packet fragmentation, which can be a giveaway. Browserleaks is a handy tool to check MTU values in the TCP/IP Fingerprint section. A standard value (like 1500) means you're in the clear.
A good proxy does more than hide your IP—it must pass security checks, avoid blacklists, block DNS leaks, and ideally use residential IPs. Weak proxies can quickly get your accounts flagged or banned.
Start simple. Test it in your browser, visit major sites, and use tools like IPQualityScore. Look for spam listings, DNS leaks, and proxy type. Every site has its own filters, so always test on your target platform before scaling.