Have you ever wondered how websites seem to recognise you even when you clear cookies or browse in private mode? The answer often lies in browser fingerprinting. This technique collects unique details about your browser and device to track you across the internet. While it is not always malicious, it can compromise your privacy if used without consent.
In this blog, we will explain what browser fingerprinting is, how it works, why it is used, and what you can do to reduce its impact. Along the way, we will highlight how adjusting browser tracking protection can strengthen your overall web browser security.
What is browser fingerprinting?
Browser fingerprinting is a way to find and follow users by looking at how their devices and browsers are set up. You can remove or block cookies, but fingerprints are harder to get rid of. They depend on technical information that is automatically transmitted every time you visit a website.
These details might involve the following:
- Type and version of the browser
- The operating system
- Resolution and colour depth of the screen
- Fonts and plugins that are already there
- Language and time zone on the device
These traits, when put together, form a unique "fingerprint" that sets you apart from millions of other users. Websites can still tell who you are by your fingerprint, even if you utilise incognito mode.
Related: Explore advanced browser security solutions with Xploreteq.
How Does Browser Fingerprinting Work?
Your browser automatically sends information to a website when you visit it to make sure the page loads correctly on your device. Fingerprinting takes advantage of this process by gathering and keeping that information.
- JavaScript can show you what kind of hardware you have, for instance.
- HTTP headers show information about the system and the browser.
- Fingerprinting using Canvas and WebGL finds little changes in how graphics are drawn.
After that, this information is put together to make a unique ID. Your fingerprint can be used to follow your behaviour on multiple websites after it has been made, even if you delete cookies.
What is the purpose of browser fingerprinting?
There are both good and bad ways to employ browser fingerprinting.
Legitimate uses include:
Stopping fraud: Fingerprinting is used by banks and payment gateways to find logins that look suspicious.
Cybersecurity: Platforms utilise it to stop automated bots or stop credential stuffing attacks.
Advertising: Marketers utilise fingerprints to make profiles for adverts that are aimed at specific people.
Tracking: Some organisations monitor users between sites without their permission, which can be annoying.
Fingerprinting can make browsers safer in some situations, but the fact that it tracks people without their permission is what makes it contentious.
Why is browser fingerprinting a problem for privacy?
Fingerprints are harder to erase than cookies. Because of this, browser fingerprinting is a huge privacy issue. You might believe that private browsing or deleting your history will disguise your identify; however, fingerprinting can get around these steps.
Some important things to think about are:
Not being clear: Users often don't know they are being tracked.
No simple way to opt out: Most browsers don't let users turn off fingerprinting completely.
Cross-site tracking: Data from several sites can be brought together to create thorough profiles of people.
If you care about the security of your web browser, you need to know what fingerprinting is and how to stop it.
How to Stop Browser Fingerprinting
It's almost impossible to completely get rid of browser fingerprinting, but you can make it tougher for websites to find you. Here are some useful steps:
Turn on Browser Tracking Protection
Most current browsers have capabilities that guard against browser tracking that stop known fingerprinting scripts and trackers. For instance, Firefox and Brave have excellent built-in protections, while Chrome users can add further security with extensions.
Browsers that protect your privacy
Tor and Brave are examples of browsers that are designed to prevent fingerprinting. They make user data the same for everyone, which makes people less distinctive.
Add anti-fingerprinting extensions
You can use tools like Privacy Badger or uBlock Origin to stop scripts from collecting fingerprinting data.
Limit the number of fonts and plugins.
The fewer distinctive features your system has, the tougher it is to identify. Get rid of extra extensions and don't install fonts that aren't very prevalent.
Use a Proxy or VPN
A VPN won't entirely avoid fingerprinting, but it will hide your IP address, which makes tracking a little bit harder.
When you add these measures to secure browser settings, you greatly lower the chances of being monitored.
What Are the Limitations of Stopping Fingerprinting?
You can make browser fingerprinting less accurate, but you can't block it completely. Even privacy measures have their downsides, and websites can still get basic information about your browser and device.
For example, some websites may not work if you use anti-fingerprinting technologies.
It may still be possible to use advanced fingerprinting technologies even if you make things less distinctive.
You can't just use one tool, like a VPN. A tiered approach is best: use privacy-friendly browsers, browser tracking protection, and check your browser security settings often. You might not be able to make yourself invisible online, but you can make tracking a lot less accurate.
Conclusion
Browser fingerprinting is a strong way for websites to find and follow you based on the specifics of your device and browser. It has some valid security uses, but its role in following people without their permission is a big privacy issue.
The good news is that you can make it less effective. Keep your web browser security settings up to date, use privacy-focused technologies, and turn on browser tracking protection to share less information online.
We help people and businesses at Xploreteq make their privacy and browsing security stronger. You can take charge of your online identity and make the web a safer place to work and explore if you use the proper tools and do the right things.
