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Web browser fingerprinting is a method of collecting user information and determining it by different websites, which has both favorable and negative uses.

Browser fingerprinting is a method that allows websites you visit to recognize you. This method is primarily used for advertising purposes, but it can also be employed to secure websites and accounts.

What is a web browser Fingerprint?

Websites can utilize the browser’s fingerprint to recognize you. In this manner, specific data sent to the site is examined by the browser, and a profile of you as a user is organized. This steady information is called a fingerprint, because with enough data, it can be made as unique as your fingers.

Before we go into more depth, let’s define the meanings of some of the words. The terms “browser fingerprint” and “device fingerprint” are often used interchangeably; however, this is not entirely accurate. A device fingerprint, also known as a machine fingerprint, is information about the device you are using that is collected through a browser or app.

The browser’s fingerprint is more precise and encloses all the information accumulated through the browser.

In addition to device information, data such as the type and version of the browser you are using, operating system, browser language, and other more complex data, including screen resolutions, are also collected.

At first glimpse, the data gathered may not be useful. However, if sufficient information is accumulated, the user’s image on the other side becomes more precise and sensitive. Ultimately, the fingerprint becomes so specific that the site in question can identify you accurately and use those details to display the relevant ads.

For instance, some people use a specific version of Android. Additionally, other individuals utilize a specialized version of Chrome. Other features, such as browser language and image resolution, are also important. Eventually, all this information is accumulated, and the running script brings the user step by step closer to further remembering and creating a proprietary profile.

How does a Browser fingerprint work?

The list of data that can be used to enhance a profile is long, and fingerprint algorithms are very factual. For instance, a 2016 study was performed on this topic. During that time, information gathered from approximately 81% of website visitors led to the creation of individual profiles. This means that the site could recall a large number of its visitors.

Browser fingerprinting is achieved not only through the passive collection of data, such as browser type and screen resolution, but also through more active methods. Below are some examples.

• Canvas fingerprinting: In this method, a canvas is used to extract information from your image on the website, which is hidden. This section is depicted using a different script, depending on the type of graphics hardware you are using. This is a great way to identify your graphics card and drivers. WebGL fingerprinting uses a similar method.
• Audio fingerprinting: This kind of script examines how audio is recreated on your comSlight. Small differences in tone can limit the effectiveness of your audio driver.
• Media fingerprinting: This method collects a list of media drivers on your computer and recognizes them as much as possible.

Browser fingerprinting does not rely solely on the data from one part. Still, the system attempts to collect as much information as possible from various parts of the system and combine it to construct an image as close as possible to the user.

Of course, it is worth noting that browser fingerprinting is not always a bad thing. This procedure is also used for safety purposes.

What is the Browser’s Fingerprint profile suitable for?

The primary reason for creating a fingerprint profile is to direct ads more accurately to target users. By better determining the user’s character, an algorithm can more easily determine which ads to show or not. For example, if it turns out that you are using an Android device, you will presumably not see any iPhone-related messages.

This definition may remind you of browser cookies. It is worth noting that, although they serve the same purpose, they behave quite differently from one another. A cookie is more like a search device, and the site that puts it on your computer understands where you are and what you are doing. However, the browser fingerprint does not work in this manner. This process uses your data and device to identify you, but it cannot track your location.

How to protect yourself against browser fingerprints?

The primary concern with browser fingerprinting is that it is almost impossible to escape. There are ways to undermine some data transfer using plugins like NoScript (which disables JavaScript) or browsers like Tor. However, while they protect you, they also turn off most domains on the Internet for you. Most sites are not displayed without the information that fingerprint scripts contain.

Conlcusion

Ultimately, there is almost no way to deal with browser fingerprints. Even the use of methods such as incognito mode and VPN cannot control it. However, some browsers, including Mozilla, argue that they have developed techniques to prevent users from collecting information, thereby creating virtual fingerprints. But they are altogether trustworthy.