Browser Fingerprinting

In today's digital age, online privacy is a significant concern for many individuals. We use the Internet for various purposes, such as shopping, communication, and entertainment. However, every online activity we undertake leaves a trail which can be traced back to us. One of the most commonly used methods of tracking users online is browser fingerprinting.

This blog post will dive deep into browser fingerprinting, what it is, how it works, where it is used, and why.

What is browser fingerprinting?

Browser fingerprinting is collecting and analyzing information about a user's web browser configuration to create a unique identifier for that user. The information collected includes the user's browser type, version, language, operating system, screen resolution, plugins, fonts, and other settings. Combined, these factors can create a unique fingerprint that identifies the user's device and, ultimately, the user.

How does browser fingerprinting work?

Browser fingerprinting collects information about the user's web browser and analyses it to create a unique identifier. The process involves using JavaScript code embedded in a website or advertisement to collect user browser configuration information. This information is then sent back to the server, which is analyzed and compared to other fingerprints to determine if the user has been previously identified.

10 Browser fingerprinting factors

Many factors can be used to create a browser fingerprint, but some of the most commonly used factors include the following:

1. User Agent: The user agent string provides information about the user's browser, including its type, version, and operating system.
2. Screen Resolution: The screen resolution of the user's device can provide a unique identifier, as not all devices have the same screen resolution.
3. Browser Plugins: The plugins installed on a user's browser can provide information about the user's interests and online activities.
4. Timezone: The timezone can provide information about the user's location, which can be used to tailor ads or content to the user's region.
5. Fonts: The fonts installed on a user's device can be used to create a unique identifier, as not all devices have the same fonts.
6. Language: The language settings of a user's browser can provide information about their location and language preferences.
7. IP Address: The user's IP address can be used to identify their general location and can be used to link multiple browser fingerprints to the same user.
8. WebGL: WebGL provides information about the user's graphics card, which can be used to create a unique identifier.
9. Canvas: The Canvas API can create a unique identifier by measuring how a user's browser draws a particular image.
10. Cookies: While cookies can be deleted or blocked by the user, they can still be used to create a browser fingerprint.

Where is browser fingerprinting used?

Various entities use browser fingerprinting to track users' online activities. This includes advertisers, who use it to target ads to specific users based on their interests and preferences. Governments and law enforcement agencies also use browser fingerprinting to track and identify individuals engaging in illegal activities online. Websites may also use browser fingerprinting to prevent fraud and ensure the security of their platform.

Why is browser fingerprinting used?

Browser fingerprinting is used for several reasons, primarily to track users' online activities. Advertisers use this information to deliver personalized ads to users, which can result in increased revenue. Law enforcement agencies use browser fingerprinting to track and identify individuals who may be involved in illegal activities, such as fraud or terrorism. Websites may use browser fingerprinting to prevent fraud and protect their users' data.

Browser fingerprinting is a highly effective tracking method that is difficult to block or prevent. Unlike cookies, which users can delete or block, browser fingerprints cannot be easily erased or manipulated. This means that users can be tracked even if they have taken steps to protect their privacy, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) or disabling cookies.

EFF

According to an Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) study, approximately 84% of browsers have unique fingerprints. The study analyzed the fingerprints of over one million devices and found that each had an average of 18.1 bits of identifying information. A user's online activities will likely be tracked and identified using browser fingerprinting.

The EFF study also found that browser fingerprinting is becoming more prevalent, with more websites and advertisers using it to track users. This is due to the increased use of mobile devices and the limitations of traditional tracking methods, such as cookies. Browser fingerprinting is also more accurate than other tracking methods, as it can identify users across multiple devices and browsers.

Protection

So, what can users do to protect their privacy from browser fingerprinting? One option is to use privacy-focused browsers that block or limit browser fingerprinting. These browsers use various techniques to prevent fingerprinting, such as blocking third-party cookies, disabling JavaScript, and limiting plugin access. Another option is to use browser extensions that block or limit fingerprinting. Some popular extensions include Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, and NoScript.

Conclusion

In conclusion, browser fingerprinting is a highly effective tracking method that is difficult to block or prevent. Various entities use it to track users' online activities, including advertisers, governments, and websites. While it is used for legitimate purposes, such as preventing fraud and ensuring security, it can also be used for more nefarious purposes, such as monitoring individuals without their consent.

As individuals, there are steps we can take to protect our privacy from browser fingerprinting. Using privacy-focused browsers and browser extensions can limit or prevent browser fingerprinting. Additionally, being mindful of the information we share online and regularly clearing our browsing history can help protect our privacy.

It is also important for website owners and advertisers to be transparent about their use of browser fingerprinting and to provide users with opt-out options. This can help to build trust and protect user privacy.

Summary

In summary, browser fingerprinting is a powerful tool for tracking users' online activities, and its prevalence is increasing. While it has legitimate uses, it can also be used to infringe on individuals' privacy rights. Individuals, website owners, and advertisers need to protect their privacy and be transparent about their use of browser fingerprinting. By working together, we can ensure the Internet remains safe and secure for all users.