DNSBL: The Ultimate Anti-Proxy Plugin for Minecraft Servers
Keeping your Minecraft server safe from unwanted visitors is a top priority for any administrator. Bots, griefers, and malicious players often hide behind proxy servers, VPNs, or the Tor network to bypass bans and cause chaos. The DNSBL plugin, originally known as NoProxyForYou, tackles this problem head-on with a simple yet powerful approach. It acts as a silent gatekeeper, checking every new connection against multiple DNS-based blacklists and automatically kicking anyone who tries to join through a known proxy or anonymizing service.
What Exactly Is DNSBL?
DNSBL stands for DNS-based Blackhole List. In the world of network security, these are real-time databases that track IP addresses associated with spam, proxies, and other suspicious activities. The DNSBL plugin queries several of these lists simultaneously when a player attempts to connect to your Minecraft server. If the player's IP appears on any of the checked blacklists, the plugin instantly denies access and displays a kick message. The whole process happens in milliseconds, so legitimate players never notice any delay.
How the Plugin Works Behind the Scenes
The plugin operates on a "fire and forget" principle. Once you drop it into your server's plugins folder and restart, it starts working immediately without any additional configuration. Every time a player joins, DNSBL performs a lightning-fast DNS lookup against five trusted blacklists. These are the services it checks:
- dnsbl.dronebl.org – A community-driven list that flags IPs involved in abuse, including proxies and botnets.
- tor.dnsbl.sectoor.de – Specifically targets exit nodes of the Tor anonymity network.
- xbl.spamhaus.org – Part of the Spamhaus Project, this list identifies hijacked PCs and open proxies.
- dnsbl.proxybl.org – Dedicated to cataloging public proxy servers.
- proxies.dnsbl.sorbs.net – Maintained by SORBS, it includes a wide range of proxy and compromised hosts.
- dnsbl.tornevall.org – A Scandinavian-managed list that also focuses on Tor exit nodes and anonymizers.
If any of these sources return a positive hit, the player is immediately kicked with a clear message explaining why. The plugin does not store any data, alter gameplay, or affect server performance in any meaningful way.
Installation and Effortless Setup
There is no config file to tweak, no commands to memorize, and no complicated permissions to set up for basic operation. Simply place the JAR file into your server's plugins directory and restart. That is the entire installation process. For server owners who prefer a more streamlined approach to managing plugins and mods, the foxygame.net launcher provides a modern, flexible interface where you can download and install DNSBL directly from its built-in menu, saving you the trouble of manual file transfers. This launcher handles everything from version compatibility to automatic updates, making plugin management a breeze.
Commands and Permissions
DNSBL is intentionally minimalistic. There are no in-game commands to learn. The plugin simply does its job silently in the background. The only permission node available is:
- dnsbl.ignore – Players with this permission (or operators) are completely bypassed during the IP check. This is useful for trusted staff members or developers who may need to connect through a proxy for legitimate reasons.
Operators are automatically ignored by default, so you never have to worry about accidentally kicking yourself or your admin team. If you need to grant the ignore permission to a non-OP player, you can do so through any standard permissions plugin like LuckPerms.
Why Every Public Server Should Consider DNSBL
Proxy and VPN detection is not just about preventing ban evasion. Many DDoS attacks against Minecraft servers originate from rented proxy IPs. By blocking these addresses at the connection stage, you reduce the attack surface and improve overall server stability. The plugin also helps maintain a fair playing environment by making it much harder for cheaters to create alternate accounts. Because it relies on multiple well-maintained blacklists, false positives are extremely rare. Even if a legitimate player gets caught, you can quickly whitelist them using the permission node or by adding them to your OP list.
Another advantage is the zero-maintenance design. Unlike some anti-proxy solutions that require constant database updates or manual configuration, DNSBL pulls live data from its sources every time a player connects. This means you always have the most current protection without lifting a finger. The source code is openly available on GitHub at github.com/ExCinereSurgimus/NoProxyForYou, so you can audit it yourself or contribute improvements.
Final Thoughts
DNSBL is a perfect example of a lightweight, effective security plugin that does one thing and does it well. It does not clutter your server with unnecessary features or eat up resources. By leveraging the collective intelligence of multiple DNS blacklists, it creates a robust barrier against proxy-based threats while remaining completely invisible to your honest players. Whether you run a small survival world or a large minigame network, adding this plugin to your toolkit is a smart, hassle-free way to keep the wrong people out.