How to setup browser fingerprinting the web, your device and browser reveal a unique profile that allows websites to identify you as the same user across sites. This profile, known as your fingerprint, can contain intimate details about your online behavior and interests. It also identifies you even when cookies are cleared, incognito mode is used, or you use a VPN.

Fingerprinting is facilitated through a snippet of JavaScript that collects data that is openly shared as a requirement for connection, including user-agent strings and HTTP headers, the operating system, screen resolution, installed plugins, fonts and other browser settings, audio and video capabilities, time zone, language preferences and more. While each of these attributes may only contribute a small amount to your fingerprint, the combined information provides a clear picture of your device configuration and your interactions with websites.

Unveiling the Code: How JavaScript Pixels Drive Browser Fingerprinting for Enhanced Web Security

Identifiable fingerprints can be used for cross-site tracking (asking the same website to track you across multiple websites), establishing account linking and even for fraud prevention. They can also make it easier for websites to identify good users, identifying returning visitors and even determining if they are using emulators or spoofing tools (more on these later).

While it’s impossible to turn off browser fingerprinting completely, there are ways to confuse the scripts. The normal privacy tricks of using Incognito or Private mode, clearing your search and history, avoiding tracking via ad blockers and VPNs can all significantly reduce the number of attributes that are available to be used to create your fingerprint.