A proxy is a middleman between client and server. This page scans header traces to detect proxy use and explains what each anonymity level means for security.
Proxies are deployed for security, traffic control, and caching. Enterprises and schools use forward proxies as firewalls to block gambling or harmful sites. Reverse proxies in front of web servers distribute load and cache static content — a very common pattern at scale.
Some proxies leave fingerprints in HTTP request headers. - `HTTP_VIA` or `Via`: may include proxy software version such as Squid/3.5. - `X-Forwarded-For`: lists the client's original IP addresses separated by commas. Servers inspect these headers to determine whether traffic passed through a proxy.
1) **Transparent Proxy:** No IP hiding; forwards your real IP in X-Forwarded-For — mainly used for filtering in schools or offices. 2) **Anonymous Proxy:** Hides your real IP but still advertises proxy use via Via and similar headers. 3) **Elite Proxy (High Anonymity):** Strips proxy-related headers so the destination cannot tell a proxy was used.