An Autonomous System Number (ASN) is a unique identifier assigned to a network or group of networks. It helps route internet traffic between different networks globally. Think of it like a postal code that helps deliver packages, but for internet data instead.
How ASNs work in online advertising
When you run online ads, your traffic comes from many different networks. Each network has its own ASN. This makes ASNs valuable for detecting suspicious ad traffic patterns.
Fraudsters often use specific networks to generate fake clicks. By monitoring which ASNs your traffic comes from, you can spot potential click fraud.
Why ASNs matter for fraud detection
ASNs help identify suspicious traffic sources in several ways:
- They reveal if clicks come from datacenter traffic instead of real users
- They show when too many clicks come from a single network
- They help track known fraud networks
- They expose proxy or VPN services used to hide click fraud
Using ASNs to protect your ads
Monitoring ASNs should be part of your click fraud prevention strategy. Many click fraud detection tools track ASN patterns automatically.
When you see unusual spikes in traffic from specific ASNs, investigate further. legitimate traffic usually comes from a diverse mix of networks. Too many clicks from one ASN often signals fraud.
Common suspicious ASN patterns
Watch out for these red flags in your ASN traffic:
- High volumes from hosting company networks
- Clicks from ASNs known for abuse
- Traffic from regions where you don't advertise
- Sudden spikes from previously quiet ASNs
Working with ASN data
You don't need to be a networking expert to use ASN data. Good fraud prevention tools analyze ASN patterns automatically. They alert you when they spot suspicious activity.
Consider blocking clicks from problematic ASNs. This helps protect your ad budget from fraud. Just be careful not to block legitimate networks by mistake.
