What Is Device Fingerprinting?
Device fingerprinting is a collection of information about a user’s devices and their interactions with websites to create a unique “fingerprint.” The device fingerprint is used to track users across websites and apps, and can be used for marketing purposes as well as fraud prevention.
The information collected by device fingerprinting includes the operating system (OS), screen resolution, language preference, hardware configurations, installed software, and IP address. This data is gathered from web browsers that are utilized when visiting different websites. The device fingerprint can be used to identify and track a particular device, even if the user’s IP address is spoofed or hidden by other variables. This can be useful for many businesses, but it is important to note that there are privacy concerns around device fingerprinting.
Some of the most common uses for device fingerprinting include tracking and profiling. The device fingerprint can be used to build a profile of a user’s interests and behaviors, and this information can be used for marketing purposes as well as to make decisions about whether a particular user is eligible for certain products or services.
It can also be used for fraud detection and prevention. The fingerprint can be compared to a list of known fraudulent devices or blacklisted attributes, and any matching transactions can be blocked.
Friendly fraud attacks are more of a nuisance than a serious threat, but they still can cost merchants time and money. These typically involve a legitimate customer filing an illegitimate post-transactional dispute with the merchant. In these cases, the fraudster is not some masked cybercriminal hiding in an underground basement, but rather a well-intentioned customer that simply made a mistake or engaged in identity spoofing. These types of disputes can be difficult to detect and are often missed by traditional fraud management tools.
While device fingerprinting does raise some privacy concerns, it is not as much of a concern as cookies, which are stored on a user’s device and can be deleted or blocked using their browser settings. In addition, the fingerprints are based on information that is publicly available and shared between web servers and browsers. However, as with any type of data harvesting, it is important to gain consent from the user before using device fingerprinting.
Despite the limitations, there are ways to avoid device fingerprinting. For example, using a popular browser that is used by the majority of Internet users can help minimize the chances that the device will be fingerprinted. Additionally, making sure the user’s browser is updated regularly can also reduce the likelihood that they will be tracked by a website. This is because most of the updates come with improved security and can minimize the risk of being spied on by third parties. In addition, there are several browser extensions that can protect privacy and prevent tracking by third-party services. For more information on these solutions, visit our blog article on protecting privacy with browser extensions. With the right knowledge and tools, device fingerprinting can be a valuable tool for fighting fraud and improving user experience on your website.