Web Device Fingerprinting

Web device fingerprinting is a method that identifies and tracks browsers and devices based on their unique attributes. It uses data points like OS, screen resolution, installed plugins, language settings, and more to create a fingerprint that’s unique to each browser or device. Once a fingerprint is created, it can be stored on the server side and used to identify incoming requests.

Fingerprinting is an essential security tool for online retailers and other businesses that rely on robust user identification. It enables them to maintain shopping cart contents even when cookies are cleared, detect coupon abuse, and block multi-accounting attempts. It’s also an effective way to thwart residential proxy detection, an increasingly popular method for fraudsters to conceal their identities or location.

Device Fingerprinting: A Powerful Tool for Cybersecurity

The big advantage of fingerprinting is that it doesn’t rely on cookies, which can be cleared or blocked by users. While it raises privacy concerns, responsible implementation is critical — and today’s regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, set clear guidelines for how fingerprinting should be used.

Using fingerprinting to identify devices is particularly useful when it comes to preventing fraud, as many bad actors use trial and error to figure out how to fool anti-fraud systems. Unusual configurations, such as unpopular screen resolutions or an inability to use plugins, could indicate spoofing or other forms of fraudulent activity. To help bolster their defenses, e-commerce retailers should consider solutions that provide advanced spoofing detection, cross-device capabilities, and enhanced accuracy to deliver a safer user experience.