Proxy-based network access protection

In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a proxy, a request for access to a network from an application on an endpoint. The method also includes determining, by the proxy, information about the application on the endpoint by examining one or more headers of the request received at the proxy from the application. The method further includes determining, by the proxy, whether the one or more headers comprise expected information based on the determined information about the application. In response to determining that the one or more headers do not comprise the expected information, the method includes denying, by the proxy, the request for access to the network. In addition, in response to determining that the one or more headers comprise the expected information, the method includes forwarding, by the proxy, the request to the network on behalf of the application.