What is Browser Fingerprint?
Browser fingerprint (also known as device fingerprinting) is the unique identifier of a web browser. When users access any website, the site collects all the data that users leave behind on the website.
Each browser fingerprint is unique, which helps websites identify the "guest" visiting their site as a unique individual. If there are suspicious behaviors, website owners may choose to restrict or deny access to their site.
What Information Does Browser Fingerprint Collect?
Unlike web browsers that can only collect information such as browsing history, download data, and search history, browser fingerprinting can collect deeper information. It can gather details related to the user's computer configuration, time, location, or even hardware attributes. WebGL, Canvas, and other browser features can also be collected.
Below is a list of parameters that a website can collect when you visit:
- IP address + DNS leak
- Cookie, local storage
- Parameters in the navigator object of the browser: user agent, screen resolution, plugins, mime-type, hardware concurrency, device memory, language, etc.
- Timezone (of both the computer and the browser)
- Webrtc (gathering the user's actual IP)
- Media devices (speaker, headphone, camera, etc.)
- Browser history
- Fonts installed on the computer and how the browser uses them
- JA3 Fingerprint
- Canvas fingerprint
- Webgl fingerprint
- ReactDom
- AudioContext (*)
- Social media login (checking if the browser is logged into Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc.)
Websites collect this information for two main purposes:
- For commercial activities
- To prevent unauthorized account creation
Do You Need to Block Browser Fingerprinting?
If you are a regular internet user for purposes like learning, entertainment, etc., then you don't need to block browser fingerprinting.
However, for those involved in MMOs or checking out on e-commerce websites, blocking browser fingerprinting is essential.
How to Avoid or Disable Browser Fingerprinting
There are many methods available to prevent websites from tracking the browser fingerprint of users. Each method varies in its level of data concealment, but overall, they can all optimize data hiding.
Disable JavaScript
Disabling JavaScript is a simple method to prevent tracking through browser fingerprinting. This way, the code used by websites to detect parameters will not be able to detect them. However, disabling JavaScript may affect user experience or even result in restricted access to websites.
Use TorButton
The Tor browser's main function is to disable the process of collecting fingerprints such as WebGL, Canvas, by standardizing the browser's characteristics.
The weakness of this method is that in cases where there is a payment process or if you want to access the website's admin page, it won't be possible to use it.
Fake Fingerprint
Until now, faking browser fingerprints is the most optimal method to conceal a user's true browser fingerprint.
Browser Fingerprint parameters are replaced with fake ones, creating a browser fingerprint that appears genuine, making it difficult for websites to detect.