Reputable proxy services like Hex Proxies are safe. We support HTTPS connections for end-to-end encryption, maintain a strict no-logging policy for request content, and do not inspect or modify your traffic payloads. Free proxy services are often unsafe — they may inject ads, steal credentials, or log your activity. Always use a reputable paid provider.

We maintain minimal operational logs for billing and abuse prevention — timestamps, bandwidth consumed, error codes. We do not log request content, URLs visited, or response bodies. Connection metadata is retained for a limited period. We do not sell or share user data.

HTTPS traffic is encrypted end-to-end between your client and the target server. The proxy facilitates a CONNECT tunnel but cannot read encrypted content. For HTTP targets, traffic is not encrypted at the application layer. We recommend using HTTPS targets whenever possible.

Datacenter proxies are easily detected. Residential proxies from Hex Proxies are very difficult to detect because the IPs are registered under real ISPs. Advanced detection can look for proxy headers, fingerprint inconsistencies, and behavioral patterns. Use realistic headers and match your browser timezone to proxy location.

A DNS leak occurs when DNS queries bypass the proxy, revealing your real location. Prevent DNS leaks by using SOCKS5 with remote DNS resolution (SOCKS5h), configuring your application to resolve DNS through the proxy, or using a headless browser that routes all traffic including DNS through the proxy.

Common leak vectors: WebRTC, DNS leaks, IPv6 leaks, and application-level leaks. Disable WebRTC in your browser, ensure DNS resolves through the proxy, disable IPv6 if unsupported, and configure your application to route all traffic through the proxy.

Your ISP can see you are connecting to the proxy server, but cannot see HTTPS content or specific pages you visit. They see the proxy server IP and data volume. For maximum privacy, use HTTPS targets and encrypted DNS.

We maintain a comprehensive Acceptable Use Policy prohibiting illegal activities, fraud, and harassment. Automated monitoring detects unusual traffic patterns. We respond to valid abuse reports. A clean network means higher IP reputation for all customers.

SOCKS5 offers advantages: lower-level operation, no proxy-identifying headers, and remote DNS resolution support. HTTP proxies are simpler to configure. For maximum security, use SOCKS5 with remote DNS over HTTPS connections to targets.

Never hardcode credentials in source code. Use environment variables, secrets managers, or .gitignore-excluded config files. In CI/CD, use platform secret management. For teams, use IP whitelist authentication to eliminate credential distribution.

Free proxies are generally not safe. Monetization methods include ad injection, data logging, credential theft, and using your connection as an exit node. Many free proxy lists contain honeypots. Always use a reputable paid provider for sensitive work.

Payments are processed through Stripe (PCI DSS Level 1 certified). Our infrastructure follows security best practices including encryption, access controls, and regular audits. We maintain GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreement and Data Retention Policy.