Proxy and VPN traffic

Online fraudsters are seasoned in imitating user behavior to get past online balances and checks. They’re also connoisseurs in spotting advertising weak points of your organization and exploiting them for their financial benefit, which previously has resulted in an estimated loss of $41 billion globally in 2022. 

Just as there are good and bad bots, there are also good proxy traffic and bad proxy traffic too. Unfortunately, often fraudsters give proxy web traffic a negative name.

Real proxy users utilize proxies to shield their identity or sometimes evade geo-based rules in streaming services. However, Fraudsters exploit proxies to dodge fraud detection measures and execute malicious activities.

This article will provide all the information that you need to know about VPN and Proxy traffic, how you can detect bad proxy traffic, and simple ways to steer clear of it. 

 

What is Proxy Traffic?

A proxy has its own IP address and works as a mediator between different servers. Proxy servers are frequently employed for security measures, including blocking malware, geo-blocking locations, and filtering malicious traffic. 

While these are valid justifications for using proxies, they can also be incredibly appealing to fraudsters. Often, fraudsters exploit proxies to commit click fraud by constantly moving their IP addresses and clicking on ads time and time again. 

Proxies generally fall into three categories:

• Web and Public Proxies, which make requests on behalf of users and offer web filtering and bypassing restrictions.
• VPN Proxies, which route and encrypt all network traffic. They are commonly used for secure connections but can also be linked to anonymizing tools.
• Hosting/CDN Proxies that include hosting providers and Content Delivery Networks to manage large-scale content delivery.

 

Proxy and VPN Traffic Difference

People often get confused with Proxy and VPN traffic, as both serve almost the same purpose. If you’re also one of them here is what you need to know. 

When using a VPN your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a VPN server before getting to its final destination. This adds a layer of privacy and security as your web activity is always hidden from prying eyes. 

In many cases, it is observed that users wish to use both a proxy and a VPN server for additional anonymity.

But traditionally, proxy servers are used to access geo-blocked content- specifically streaming content – or to hide their geo-location from third parties. 

 

‍Why do Users and Affiliate Marketers Use Proxy and VPN?

Now the question arises: why should users and affiliate marketers use proxies or VPNs? As we know, VPNs and proxies are effective in changing your IP location. This capability can be beneficial for users who want to access content from different geographical locations, mask their identities, and secure their connections.

While for affiliate marketers, proxies and VPNs do much more than just secure their connections. It enables them to test and optimize campaigns across different geographic locations. This capability allows them to assess how their content can perform through various audiences. It also assists marketers who need to evaluate offers or promotions specific to certain regions.

 

Table Of Pros And Cons For Regular Users And Advertisers

Category	Pros	Cons
Regular Users	Hides users’ IP addresses for anonymous browsing and reduces tracking. Allows access to region-specific content by masking actual location. Offers protection against cyber threats like malware and phishing.	Additional server routing can result in slower internet access. Some websites may block proxy traffic, restricting content availability.
Advertisers	Enables reaching specific audiences based on location and browsing habits Often cheaper than direct or organic traffic, appealing to budget-conscious advertisers. This can lead to higher engagement, conversions, and revenue.	Proxy traffic may include low-quality clicks generated by bots. Advertisers may have little control over traffic sources, impacting quality. Proxy traffic can be associated with fraudulent activities, resulting in wasted ad spend.

 

How Can Advertisers Avoid Proxy and VPN Traffic

Dealing with proxy and VPN traffic is a challenge for many advertisers and marketers. Bad traffic resources can lead to wasted ad spend and skewed analytics, which ultimately leads to poor-quality leads. But the good news is there are effective strategies to ensure you’re reaching genuine users.

1. Work with Reputable Advertising Platforms. A solid starting point is partnering with reputable advertising platforms. These platforms typically have measures in place to prevent proxy traffic and fraud. For example, using a platform like Clickadu can offer you high-quality traffic, ensuring your ad campaigns are directed toward authentic users.
2. Use Third-Party Verification Tools. These tools analyze traffic patterns and flag any suspicious activity, such as proxy servers or bot traffic. They’re a great way to confirm that the traffic you’re getting is real, which can help you optimize campaign performance.
3. Set Strict Targeting Criteria Carefully setting up your ad targeting can also minimize proxy traffic. Focus on specific locations, devices, and demographics, and be sure to exclude any sources that look suspicious. The more precise your targeting, the less likely you are to encounter low-quality traffic.
4. Monitor Campaigns Regularly Regularly monitoring your campaigns can help you quickly spot any irregularities. By keeping an eye on traffic sources, you can identify and block suspicious IPs or adjust your targeting if needed.

 

Proxy, VPN, and Fraud

Proxies are commonly used — whether for malicious intent or otherwise—to mask the user’s identity or location. But today’s more advanced attackers leverage the technology for complex use cases—often for wrong effects. 

When it comes to ad fraud, fraudsters use VPN servers to reroute traffic from click farms or botnets, constantly rotating IP addresses to make fake clicks look real. They also exploit proxies to access high-value regions, like North America or Europe, where pay-per-click costs are higher, leading to greater rewards for their fraudulent activity.

The complexity of proxy use varies. Some simply spoof a U.S. IP address, while others employ sophisticated residential proxies to fake additional details, such as network type or device. For instance, a headless browser from Southeast Asia could mimic a mobile device on a U.S. 5G network.

Even if you’re dealing with legitimate users, proxies and VPNs can cause issues for your business. They skew your marketing data, disrupt browser fingerprinting, and block remarketing efforts, making it harder to reach your target audience effectively.

 

Guide To Minimize Proxy Traffic With Clickadu

Regardless of the adverse effects of bad proxy traffic, there’s always an easy way out to protect from click fraud. Clickadu ensures high-quality traffic and minimizes proxy traffic by allowing genuine traffic to your site. Here is how you can mitigate proxy traffic using Clickadu.

• Clickadu partners with verified websites that undergo strict checks. Make sure your campaigns target direct websites and filter out affiliates with suspicious sources.
• Opt for ad formats that require user interaction (clicks, conversions) to avoid non-human traffic. Consider using SmartCPA or CPC pricing models to pay for tangible engagement rather than just views.
• Clickadu uses 46 algorithm checks to ensure real users see your ads. These include device matching, browser language, and interaction time. 
• Clickadu tracks bot behaviors and continuously updates its algorithms. You can stay vigilant by reviewing your campaign performance regularly for any unusual traffic patterns.
• Integrate tracking platforms to monitor traffic quality. Clickadu is partnered with 8 leading tracking solutions, ensuring reliable monitoring and accurate results.

 

Conclusion

In wrapping up, it’s clear that proxies and VPNs can be game-changers for both users and affiliate marketers. They allow individuals to browse the web anonymously, access content from around the globe, and enhance their online security. But it’s essential to recognize the trade-offs, like slower speeds and the risk of hitting roadblocks on certain websites. By weighing the pros and cons, you can leverage these tools effectively, ensuring a safer and more rewarding online experience tailored to your needs.