What exactly is browser fingerprinting and how to minimize it

Perhaps you saw the term fingerprinting from the browser while you were adjusting security settings in your web browser. Or perhaps you read about it in a web article that discussed how Avoid tracking when using the internetBut do you know exactly what it means? And more importantly, how can you minimize it? We'll tell you everything here.

What exactly is the fingerprinting of the browser?

As you probably know, defining the profile of each online user is very important for marketing and advertising companies. This allows them to present personalized ads and suggestions, and improve the user experience on each website. In return, They keep personal information of the user, which poses a threat to online privacy.

And what does that have to do with it? fingerprinting The browser's role in this matter? A lot, since it's a tracking technique used to monitor your activity on the webIt has the same objective as the popular ones cookies: It identifies and tracks the user, but it does so in a very different way. How exactly does it work?

This technology It extracts unique data from your browser and device settings to create a unique profile.or fingerprint. In fact, studies on the subject reveal that the fingerprinting The browser can identify individual users with over 90% accuracy. And this is true even if the user uses privacy tools such as incognito mode or a VPN.

differences between the fingerprinting browser and cookies

To understand exactly what it is fingerprinting of the browser, it is worth reviewing its differences with cookiesYou may already know How cookies work from websites. These small files are stored in your browser to remember information about you, such as your preferences, sessions, and browsing history. Accepting or rejecting them is up to you, and deleting them from your browser is easy.

Instead, fingerprinting Browser data is not so easy to identify and control. Unlike cookies, which are stored on your device, fingerprinting It is performed in real time. by analyzing features that your browser automatically reveals when you visit a website. It does not need permission or request your consent to run.: remains active behind the scenes.

Another notable difference is that, while cookies can be deleted, a browser fingerprint cannot. This is generated every time the user browses, and the user has very little or no control over it. In fact, cannot be erasedThe only thing you can do is take some steps to mitigate it or reduce it to a minimum.

How exactly does it work? Information it collects

When you visit a website, your browser automatically sends dozens of technical data to ensure that the content is displayed correctly. fingerprinting The browser collects and combines this data to create a unique profile. What kind of data does it collect?

• User agent: A text string that reveals your browser, version, operating system and even the architecture of your device.
• HTTP headers: Include information about your Preferred language, accepted content types, supported connections and encodings.
• Screen resolution and color depth.
• Fonts installed.
• List of plug-ins and Extensions installed browsers.
• Time zone and language.
• Canvas fingerprinting: This advanced technique uses the HTML5 Canvas element to draw an invisible image or text. The exact way your hardware and software render these elements creates minute variations that serve as a unique identifier.
• WebGL fingerprinting: Use the WebGL API to get information about your graphics card and drivers.
• Unique signals from your audio system and connected multimedia devices (speakers, microphones).
• Browser behavior, such as typing patterns, mouse movements, scrolling speed, and how you interact with page elements.

Where does all this data end up? advertising companies They use them to create detailed user profiles in order to show more personalized ads. On the other hand, the web analytics platforms, financial institutions, and streaming sites They also access this data to improve the service they offer. Up to the government and security agencies They use this information for surveillance and monitoring of online activities.

fingerprinting browser: how to minimize it

Completely remove the fingerprinting The browser makes it almost impossible to browse the web normally. So you'll never see a button for "Remove fingerprint" or something like that. But now that you're aware of its presence and impact, you can take some steps to minimize it.

Use browsers with built-in defenses

This is, perhaps, the most important defense against the fingerprinting of the browser. It's best if you use web browsers that are equipped with defenses against this particular type of tracking. Three of your best alternatives are:

• Tor Browser: Designed specifically to withstand the fingerprinting. All Tor users have an identical fingerprint, making you indistinguishable within the network.
• Firefox: It includes browser fingerprinting protection in its settings. Go to Privacy & Security and select the option strict.
• brave: It blocks the fingerprint by default, blocking known scripts.

Install specific extensions

Secondly, you can use some specific extensions to combat the fingerprinting of the browser. Among the better alternatives are:

• uBlock OriginMore than just an ad blocker, it includes anti-fingerprinting features.
• Privacy Badger (EFF)It automatically learns which domains are tracking and blocks them.
• Canvas Blocker: Designed specifically to prevent canvas fingerprinting.
• ChameleonThis extension masks your user agent and other HTTP headers.

Modify your browser settings

As a third step, you need to go to your browser's privacy and security settings and make some changes. For example, check which sites have access to your microphone, camera, or location, and disable unnecessary permissions(See the topic) How to configure Brave for maximum privacy and minimum resource usage).

Some browsers allow disable JavaScriptThis is an effective measure against digital footprinting, but it limits the functionality of websites. You can also configure it to... Block third-party cookies by default o Use enhanced privacy modeTip: Take some time to explore your browser settings and take advantage of any available security options.

Standardize your digital footprint

Lastly, Avoid over-customizing your browser.Installing unfamiliar fonts, extensions, or themes can be a problem. A good idea is to use different browsers or profiles for different activities. For example, use one for social media, another for banking, and another for work and general browsing.

While it is not possible to completely remove browser fingerprinting, Yes, you can reduce it to a minimum.You already know exactly what it is, how it works, what information it collects, and how it uses it. Therefore, if your privacy is your most precious asset, don't hesitate to take steps to combat fingerprinting.