For this reason, device fingerprints shouldn’t be used as an identifying tool in a vacuum, and should be paired with other identifying data from the user to form a more reliable, holistic profile. However, there is an unlikely possibility that multiple users connecting via mobile may have the exact same browser fingerprint, owing to the fact that people are less likely to make granular adjustments to their mobile browser settings. Most browser fingerprints will turn out to be unique, and two users with the same fingerprint will almost certainly be the same user on the same device. For instance, browser fingerprinting may be able to detect when users rely on emulators or spoofing tools, which should increase your suspicions about their intentions on your website. Together, the sum of these attributes forms a highly - though not perfectly - unique identifier that can be used to both verify a returning user, as well as identify suspicious setups associated with fraud. Naturally, the fingerprint being scrutinized is made up of more than simply the web browsing program, such as the installed languages, operating system, plugins, and in-browser time zone, among others.

Quietly assessing the unique configuration of web browsers that connect to a web domain is a process called device fingerprinting. How do browser fingerprints work, and how do they improve your businesses operations and secure your bottom line? SEON explores. However, assessing the likelihood of risk in a browser fingerprint is much faster, and less invasive. Naturally, customers approaching your online marketplace can’t have their identity verified by taking their fingerprints and, frankly, doing so would probably be an overstep for, say, buying groceries. Just like hand-based fingerprints, these browser fingerprints can be tracked as they move around the world, regardless of how many cookies are cleared (or eaten). However, instead of double loops and tented arches, browsers have personal markers like screen resolution, stored WebGL, and graphics card configurations. Just as your physical fingerprints are utterly unique combinations of loops, whorls, and arches, the web browser you use to connect to websites leaves its own distinct impression.

Unique fingerprint