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Browser fingerprint is a way of containing user information and determining it by different websites that have both favorable and negative uses.

Browser fingerprinting is a way for websites you visit to recognize you. This method is mostly used for advertisement purposes, but it can also be used 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, but this is not completely true. Device fingerprint or 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 kind and version of the browser you are using, operating system, browser language, and many other more complicated data such as screen solutions are also collected.

At first glimpse, the data gathered may not be useful. But if enough information is accumulated, the user’s image on the other side becomes more precise and more sensitive. Ultimately, the fingerprint becomes so specific that the site in question can be truly sure who you are and use that details to show the right ads.

For instance, there are some people who use a certain version of Android. In addition, there are other people who use a special version of Chrome. Other features such as browser language or image resolution and more are also important. Eventually, all of this information is accumulated and the running script brings the user step by step nearer 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, the information accumulated from about 81% of the website visitors resulted in 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 supply of passive data, such as browser type and screen explanation but also through more active tools. Below are some examples.

• Canvas fingerprinting: In this method, a canvas is involved in your image from the website, which is hidden; This section is depicted with a different script relying 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 computer. Small differences in tone can limit 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 use only the data of one part, but the system tries to collect as much information as possible from various parts of the system and put them together to eventually construct the image closest to the user.

Of course, it is better to point out 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 major reason for making a fingerprint profile is to be able to direct ads more accurately to the target users. By better determining the user’s character, an algorithm can more easily determine which ads to show or not. For sample, if it turns out that you are using an Android device, you will assumably not see any iPhone-related messages.

This definition may remind you of browser cookies. It should be noted that while they have the same purpose, they act quite differently from each other. 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. But the browser fingerprint does not work this way. This process uses your data and your device to find out who you are, but it cannot track you.

How to protect yourself against browser fingerprints?

The main thing about browser fingerprinting is that it is almost inconceivable to exit. There are ways to undermine some data transfer using plugins like NoScript (which disables JavaScript) or browsers like Tor; But while they preserve you safe, they disable most domains of the Internet for you. Most sites are not displayed without the information that fingerprint scripts contain.

Ultimately, there is almost no way to deal with browser fingerprints. Even the use of methods such as incognito mode and viper can not control it. But some browsers, including Mozilla, argue to have created techniques to prevent users from collecting information in order to create virtual fingerprints. But they are also not completely trustworthy.

Source : https://www.zoomit.ir/internet-network/376369-what-is-browser-fingerprinting-how-can-you-block-it/