Fingerprinting: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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: | Common data that may be included in a device fingerprint include: | ||
* '''Device model and hardware''' | *'''Device model and hardware''' | ||
* '''Web browser''' | *'''Web browser''' | ||
* '''Screen resolution''' | *'''Screen resolution''' | ||
* '''Font type and size''' | *'''Font type and size''' | ||
* '''Plugins''' | *'''Plugins''' | ||
* '''Browser extensions''' | *'''Browser extensions''' | ||
* and many more | *and many more | ||
==How it works== | ==How it works== | ||
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==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
Some examples of fingerprinting include some types of cookies, | Some examples of fingerprinting include some types of cookies, | ||
== Remedies == | |||
Device fingerprinting is notoriously difficult to avoid. IP addresses can be masked, hidden, or modified, while cookies can be blocked, cleared, and avoided. Device fingerprints, however, are a compilation of basic data points that computers and browsers use to communicate with web pages. The only notable remedy is using privacy-focused browsers such as Mullvad and Brave which randomize certain data points to hide unique attributes. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||