Datadog Synthetics
Run by Datadog
How to detect Datadog Synthetics
Datadog Synthetics names itself in its user agent, but anyone can copy a user agent, so it is detected by confirming the user agent against other signals: source IP confirmed as the operator's own network; and how the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent.
- Detection method
- Self-declaredThe agent names itself in its user agent, and Verisoul confirms it with network, device or behavioral data. A user agent alone is never enough.
- Signals that identify it
- NetworkSource IP confirmed as the operator's own network
- DeviceNames itself as Datadog Synthetics in its user agent, which we check against the rest of the session
- BehavioralHow the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent
Every signal Verisoul checks for Datadog Synthetics
Datadog Synthetics names itself in its user agent. Anyone can copy that, so we only label a session Datadog Synthetics when the other signals check out too.
- Not used
Cryptographic
Not needed to identify it
- Used
Network
Source IP confirmed as the operator's own network
- Used
Device
Names itself as Datadog Synthetics in its user agent, which we check against the rest of the session
- Used
Behavioral
How the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent
How often you'll see it
Uncommon
Seen on some sites, in small volumes
Questions about Datadog Synthetics
How do you detect Datadog Synthetics?
Datadog Synthetics names itself in its user agent, but anyone can copy a user agent, so it is detected by confirming the user agent against other signals: source IP confirmed as the operator's own network; and how the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent.
What is Datadog Synthetics?
Datadog Synthetics is Scripted uptime and browser tests run by Datadog.
Does Datadog Synthetics identify itself?
Partly. Datadog Synthetics names itself in its user agent, but user agents are easy to copy, so the name alone is not proof.
Can a bot pretend to be Datadog Synthetics?
A bot can copy Datadog Synthetics' user agent or markers, but the network, device and behavior signals will not match, so it is not labeled Datadog Synthetics.
How common is Datadog Synthetics?
Uncommon. Seen on some sites, in small volumes.
What does the Verisoul API return for Datadog Synthetics?
Every session Verisoul identifies as Datadog Synthetics carries an agent block with id "datadog_synthetics", name, provider, type "other", detection_method "self_declared" and the detection_signals used (network, behavioral). Build rules on the id, type and detection method.