Websites use a method called “browser fingerprinting” to gather data about your browser and device, including the type and version of your browser, operating system, screen resolution, time zone, language, and plugins you have installed. These data points can be combined to form a singular profile that websites can use to locate and follow you online.
What is browser fingerprinting
Browser fingerprinting is quite different from what common users grasp. It is not just an individual ID or tracking users online by a tag that ensures the advertiser (or whoever) can recognize them as they navigate the web. Web tracking may entail placing a cookie, determining your IP address, or convincing you to keep your social media or other accounts open.
However, users are becoming more aware of this and are prepared to respond. To control or block cookies, for instance, they could modify their browser settings, install a VPN to hide their IP address or use private browsing to manage what other people can see about them.
So, what is browser fingerprinting? You might have quite typical setup – you’re using Chrome on a Windows 10 laptop, for example. Still, your device is unique in many ways from others. This implies the precise browser and operating system versions, time zone, installed apps, specific hardware specifications, etc. If you combine enough of these elements, you can frequently create a specific browser fingerprint for your device.
It is a stealthy technology that tracking companies find appealing for many reasons, not the least of which is how challenging it is to block. You can use a VPN, turn off cookies, or always browse in private mode and still be tracked. Additionally, most browsers don’t have any obvious security settings.
Digital Trails in browser fingerprinting. Useful or not?
- Digital trails are useful for a variety of objectives and parties. For instance:
- Advertisers use digital trails to target users with tailored ads based on their interests, preferences, behavior, and location.
- Websites use digital trails to tailor their services and content based on user feedback and profile information.
- Data brokers use digital trails to gather and sell user data to other parties, including employers, insurance providers, and governmental organizations.
- Cybercriminals use digital trails to find user weaknesses and launch attacks.
- Law enforcement agencies use digital trails to investigate crimes and find suspects.
Users can also benefit from Digital trails by:
- Improving convenience and user experience by remembering user preferences and settings.
- Giving users access to pertinent data and advice based on their requirements and objectives.
- Facilitating communication and social interaction with users with comparable interests or viewpoints.
- Giving users the option to opt in or out of services or features empowers user choice and control.
Digital trails, however, also present serious risks and difficulties for user privacy, security, and autonomy.
Users might need to be made aware of the amount of information they share online or how it is used or shared by others, for example.
Users might need more meaningful control or consent over how third parties collect and use their information.
- Users may experience discrimination, manipulation, or harm depending on their data profiles or exposure.
- Both online and off, users risk losing their anonymity and identity.
How Browser Fingerprinting Operates
Browser fingerprinting creates a user profile of you by running a script that examines data your browser sends to a website. Like the ones on your fingers, it can be completely made unique, which is why it is called a fingerprint.
The script has several ways to access information from your browser, including:
- User agent: A string that specifies the type, version, platform, and operating system of your browser.
- HTTP headers: Data your browser sends to the website with each request, including your IP address, preferred language, referrer URL, etc.
- JavaScript objects: Your browser’s supported or exposed JavaScript properties and methods, such as screen size, color depth, timezone offset, etc.
- Canvas API: A function that enables your browser to draw images on a website. The script can use this feature to create an image based on your browser and hardware configurations. A hash value created from the image can then represent your fingerprint.
- WebGL API: A feature of your browser that enables 3D graphics to be rendered on a website. This feature allows the script to evaluate how well your browser renders complex scenes and how quickly it can do so. The outcomes can then be incorporated into your fingerprint.
- WebRTC API: A function that enables peer-to-peer connections between your browser and other browsers. This feature allows the script to access network data that might not be available in HTTP headers, such as your local IP address.
- Audio API: A function that enables your browser to process and synthesize audio on a web page. Based on the configuration of your browser and available hardware, the script may use this feature to produce an audio signal. The signal can then be transformed into a fingerprint-like hash value.
These are only a few techniques that browser fingerprinting can employ to gather data about your browser and apparatus. There are numerous additional ones that are consistently being created and improved.
What Characteristics Define Browser Fingerprinting
Browser fingerprinting differs from other tracking methods in some keyways, including the following:
- Accuracy: Even if users use the same browser or device, browser fingerprinting can distinguish and identify users with high accuracy. Only one in 286,777 other browsers, according to a study by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, will have the same fingerprint as another user.
- Persistence: Even if users delete their cookies, change their IP address, or use private browsing, browser fingerprinting can endure across sessions and websites. As a result, users will find it easier to avoid or remove their digital trails.
- Stealth: Browser fingerprinting can be carried out secretly, without the user’s knowledge or permission, and without leaving any obvious signs on the user’s device. Users will find it more difficult to detect or prevent browser fingerprinting.
The best way to stop browser fingerprinting
Since browser fingerprinting depends on the data that your browser needs to operate properly, there is no foolproof way to stop it. You can, however, take some precautions to limit your exposure and safeguard your privacy online, such as:
Use a browser or an extension that focuses on privacy
Some browsers or extensions are made to restrict or spoof the data that your browser sends to websites, making it more difficult for them to identify you. For instance, you can use Chrome with uBlock Origin, Firefox with Privacy Badger, Tor Browser, Brave, or Chrome.
Of course, using an antidetect browser is what we advise. An antidetect browser enables you to modify a variety of settings, including the user agent, screen size, cookies, fingerprint, and more. Websites cannot track you or identify you in this way by using the settings on your computer. You have a lot of choices here, including Multilogin, Octobrowser, GoLogin, Undetectable, AdsPower, DolphinAnty, and Kamelio, all of which could be connected to Quick Proxy.
Regularly update your browser
Regularly updating your browser can help you take advantage of the newest security updates and privacy enhancements that could stop or lessen browser fingerprinting.
Turn off unused plugins or features
The amount of information your browser exposes to websites can be decreased by disabling features or plugins you don’t use or need. For instance, you can turn off JavaScript, WebGL, WebRTC, and Flash in your browser’s settings.
Use a VPN service
Use VPN to obfuscate your IP address and encrypt your traffic, which makes it more difficult for websites to monitor your whereabouts and activity. A VPN service, however, cannot completely stop browser fingerprinting because it does not impact the data your browser sends to websites.
Use residential proxies
They can also stop browser fingerprinting by varying and randomizing your online behavior. Residential proxies can have different fingerprints depending on the device they are assigned to, in contrast to data center proxies, which can have fingerprints that are like or identical. This may make it more difficult for websites to recognize and track you based on the fingerprint left by your browser.
In conclusion, Browser fingerprinting is a powerful and widespread tracking method that jeopardizes online user security and privacy. You can regain some control over your digital identity and footprint by understanding how it functions and how to protect yourself. We recommend using antidetect browser and integration with Quick Proxy – a premium provider of residential proxies that bring security, anonymity, and high-success rate. Successfully pass your “Browser fingerprint test” today.