---
title: "How do attackers use VPNs and residential proxies in account takeover attacks?"
type: "faq"
url: "https://docs.spur.us/knowledgebase/faqs/how-do-attackers-use-vpns-and-residential-proxies-in-account-takeover-attacks"
category: "Fraud & Abuse Prevention"
product: "general"
publishedAt: "2026-08-07T18:23:00.000Z"
updatedAt: "2026-08-12T19:30:30Z"
---

# How do attackers use VPNs and residential proxies in account takeover attacks?

Attackers use VPNs and residential proxy networks to hide their true location, rotate IP addresses, and distribute login attempts across many seemingly legitimate users. This enables credential stuffing and account takeover campaigns to evade rate limits, IP reputation systems, and geographic controls. Spur IP intelligence helps identify these anonymization technologies and provides additional context that can be incorporated into authentication decisions.

## Extended answer

Attackers use VPNs and residential proxy networks to hide their true location, rotate IP addresses, and distribute login attempts across many seemingly legitimate users. This enables credential stuffing and account takeover campaigns to evade rate limits, IP reputation systems, and geographic controls. Spur IP intelligence helps identify these anonymization technologies and provides additional context that can be incorporated into authentication decisions.