Fingerprinting: Difference between revisions

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-In computer science, '''fingerprinting''' is a procedure that maps an arbitrarily large data item (such as a computer file) to a much shorter bit string, its '''''fingerprint''''', that uniquely identifies the original data for all practical purposes just as human fingerprints uniquely entify people for practical purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is fingerprinting in Computer Science? |url=https://tolumichael.com/what-is-fingerprinting-in-cybersecurity/ |access-date=30 August 2025}}</ref>
+A '''device fingerprint''' is a string of data that maps and compiles details of a particular device or user, such as the operating system and browser information. Unlike an IP address, which is a singular piece of data that users can manipulate for privacy and security (such as using a VPN service or resetting network connection), a device fingerprint holds a series of specified data that can be uniquely attributed to a device or user, and are therefore much harder to protect from tracking and abuse of privacy.
+Common data that may be included in a device fingerprint include:
+* '''Device model and hardware'''
+* '''Web browser'''
+* '''Screen resolution'''
+* '''Font type and size'''
+* '''Plugins'''
+* '''Browser extensions'''
+* and many more
 ==How it works==