Problem Statement

Background of the Problem

Cybercriminals often operate using proxy IP addresses to mask their actual IP addresses for enhanced anonymity. Build a solution that can determine if an IP is actual or a proxy/VPN IP address. In addition to it, the solution should be able to trace the actual IP address as well as provide details of the VPN service provider. Use of external third party services is not recommended. 

Objective

The primary objective of this problem statement is to trace a cybercriminal’s actual IP address hidden behind a proxy or VPN IP address, if used.Build a solution that can take an IP address as input and determine if it belongs to a “proxy” or VPN service provider;If a “proxy” or VPN service provider has been used, details of the same should also be provided; The solution should also be able to trace the actual or real IP address behind the “proxy” or VPN IP address.;Participants may consider a simple browsing scenario, with and without a “proxy” or VPN, for demonstrating their solution.

Note: Use of external third-party services is not recommended.”

Summary

 The growth of cybercrime in recent years has been astounding. Cybercriminals sitting in any corner of the world are able to unleash significant damage through different types of cyber crimes such as hacking, identity theft and ransomware. The anonymity offered by the internet encourages them to commit these attacks without any fear whatsoever. Hackers use various techniques to hide their digital footprint making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to catch and prosecute them.One common technique is to not access the target computer directly but rather through a “proxy” server or a VPN server, which essentially acts as a layer between them and the target computer. As far as the target computer is concerned, it would only see requests coming from the “proxy” or the VPN server. There are a lot of free and paid proxies, and VPN service providers, available.