If you care about online privacy, you’ve probably already heard of browser fingerprinting. It’s a data-gathering technique that was developed to increase user security but is increasingly being used in the opposite direction. So let’s find out what browser fingerprinting is, what threats it poses, and how to protect your privacy with a free VPN.
What is browser fingerprinting?
Browser fingerprinting refers to the act of collecting software and device configuration data when an internet user is browsing. Then, using this configuration, a unique identifier, or “fingerprint,” is created for the user. Even if the user has erased their cookies or is using a new IP address, this fingerprint may be used to follow their online activities. The best way to protect yourself from online monitoring and fingerprinting is to use a free VPN for Chrome or any other browser.
A wide range of data may be gathered by browser fingerprinting, such as:
- Type and version of browser
- Type and version of OS
- Screen resolution
- Installed plugins and fonts
- Time zone configurations
- Language used
- Usage of ad blockers
- CPU class
This data is then merged to provide a unique identification that may be used to monitor the user’s online behavior.
What is the process of browser fingerprinting?
Browser fingerprinting is usually enabled by a little piece of JavaScript code that collects the information that is part and parcel of the connection process.
This data comprises information that is publicly given to establish a connection, such as user-agent strings and HTTP headers that provide information about the installed operating system and kind of browser. Installed browser plugins also make themselves apparent, even if they can give out additional user data points on their own. Additionally, data about screen settings, time zones, and languages may be pulled by JavaScript code.
Collectively, these informational pieces create a comprehensive user profile known as their browser fingerprint.
Why do websites employ browser fingerprinting?
Your data is highly valued by the global advertising business and marketing automation. They’ll do whatever to get their hands on your data so they can follow your internet habits.
Collected data is used for:
- Recognizing users.
The hardware and software configurations of each user are probably unique. In other words, the business may effectively create a user ID from that setup.
Once the person has been recognized, the company may follow his or her activities on the website and recognize if it is a returning visitor.
- Tailored content delivery.
This might involve pointing users to relevant information or geolocalized web pages. Targeted marketing is no exception.
- Fraud prevention.
1. Preventing account takeover (ATO).
ATO assaults take place when someone logs into someone else’s account. However, it is considerably simpler to identify questionable logins if the organization has been able to produce an ID for the original account user.
2. Bonus abuse avoidance
Businesses may assume that the individual trying a multi-accounting assault when the setups for numerous users are identical.
This technique is also used by banks to find possible fraud events.
A bank’s security system might use unique fingerprints to determine if an account is being accessed from several different places in a brief amount of time or if it is exhibiting suspicious online activity.
However, the benefits come with risks.
Risks of browser fingerprinting
Browser fingerprinting puts user security and privacy at risk in several ways.
1) It enables websites to monitor user activity across several websites, regardless of whether the user deleted their cookies or is utilizing an alternate IP address. A thorough profile of the user’s online activities may be created, which can then be sold for advertising or utilized for other objectives.
2) It may be used for internet tracking and targeted advertising without the user’s permission.
3) Browser fingerprinting may be used for malicious purposes, such as finding security holes in the user’s system or obtaining private data.
How to prevent browser fingerprinting
It can be difficult to prevent browser fingerprinting since websites can gather information about your browser and device setup using a variety of methods. Nonetheless, there are a few tactics you may employ to safeguard your privacy:
- Employ a free VPN for your browser.
Previously we mentioned a free VPN for Chrome as it is the most widely used browser. However, you can find a free VPN add-on almost for every modern browser. It is also worth using a free VPN for IOS or a VPN app for Android on your mobile devices, as browser fingerprinting works with all types of devices.
By hiding your IP address, a VPN makes it more difficult for websites to monitor your online activities.
- Use incognito browsing mode.
Using all modern browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari can browse in private mode. By assigning certain common data points to your “profile,” incognito mode allows you to browse privately. Since many people use the same “profile” settings, it becomes difficult to create a unique fingerprint for each user.
- Discover privacy-focused browsers.
With a focus on user privacy and security, browsers like Tor or Brave may come equipped with integrated ad-blockers and anti-tracking capabilities.
- Turn off JavaScript.
Disabling JavaScript is one of the most efficient ways you may defend yourself against browser fingerprinting. Websites cannot identify the list of installed plugins and fonts, nor can they put specific cookies on your browser, if JavaScript is deactivated.
However, this may affect your browsing experience. Since JavaScript also helps websites load quickly on your device, turning it off has the drawback that websites won’t always work as intended.
- Use plugins that prevent tracking.
Additionally, you have the option to install plugins that prevent websites that use trackers from using them on your browser. Such plugins disable scripts that can allow invisible trackers and spying advertising to operate in your browser. Consider AdBlock Plus, Privacy Badger, and NoScript.
Users who wish to safeguard their online privacy while still being able to utilize the internet efficiently must balance privacy and functionality when it comes to their surfing habits.
Changing the privacy settings in your browser is one method to strike a balance between functionality and privacy. You may change the settings to utilize encrypted connections, turn off location monitoring, and prevent third-party cookies. By doing this, you may retain your privacy and yet use the essential features.
Using various browsers for different tasks is another tactic. This can lessen the chance of tracking and data gathering while also helping to separate sensitive information.
A VPN is excellent at concealing your actual IP address. This is a technology that helps you maintain your privacy without sacrificing your online experience. It removes your IP address as one of the important identifiers in browser fingerprinting. In combination with other methods, a free VPN will allow you to maintain your privacy and remain anonymous online.
