Using device fingerprinting is less common than it once was, and while the technology may be more advanced, there are still some issues to consider. Here are a few to think about:
Accuracy
Identifying fraudulent transactions helps prevent losses due to fraudulent activities. However, the device’s fingerprinting accuracy is still a matter of debate. The accuracy of fingerprinting depends on the type of device being fingerprinted, the number of devices to be fingerprinted, and the amount of data being fingerprinted.
For instance, a popular VPN network has many servers connected. Traffic originates from different locations, which poses a challenge for device fingerprinting. However, VPN is used to mask the location of the device that is being fingerprinted.
Another challenge to device fingerprinting is the sheer volume of traffic on the Internet. Some devices visit websites hundreds of times. It is challenging to match multiple devices’ fingerprints to a single website event.
In addition, it may implement fingerprinting solutions in real time. It is because most device fingerprinting scripts run on JavaScript. And can be a nightmare when you regularly update a fingerprinting algorithm.
Fraud prevention
Despite the rise of new anti-fraud technologies, device fingerprinting is still helpful for fraud prevention. It identifies fraudulent users and accounts by analyzing data and predicts their intent. It can identify account takeover attacks, ad tracking, and online payments.
Device fingerprinting works by analyzing the device’s hardware and software configurations, logging the user’s IP address, and tracking VPN and browser details. These data points are then compiled into a device fingerprint profile. The results are stored in a database and have access to the website or merchant.
Device fingerprinting is not foolproof, however. Fraudsters continually find ways to evade the security measures in place. For example, they can spoof the IP address of the browser, and they can change the device’s software to make it look like the real one.
Fraudsters can also buy a device ID on the dark web and generate the same characteristics as the original. Then they can make purchases or transfer funds from their account.
Privacy concerns
Using device fingerprinting has become a key component in preventing credential hijacking and fraud on the internet. To identify users, device fingerprinting involves collecting data about a user’s browser, device, and location. It also helps websites and advertisers target users more accurately.
Device fingerprinting has become popular due to its convenience. However, it also poses a privacy threat. Some users must be aware of how much data is being transferred. Moreover, it can be circumvented by bad actors.
The biggest privacy concern is fingerprinting without the user’s knowledge. To prevent fingerprinting, a user can disable it manually or by using a privacy-focused browser. Alternatively, users could opt for a virtual private network (VPN) to hide their location. A VPN can also add new configurations to their device.
The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) entered into force on May 25, 2019, and will regulate the tracking of internet users. The rules will apply to companies that process personal data in the EEA. However, non-EU sites may not adhere to the GDPR.
Legality
Using device fingerprinting is a way to identify people online without their knowledge. This technology collects information from computers, mobile phones, and other devices and stores the findings in a server-side database.
Device fingerprinting is an online tracking method that collects information about your computer’s hardware and software configuration. This information is then used to target advertisements. However, some companies are concerned that fingerprinting may breach privacy laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.
The GDPR is a data privacy regulation that requires companies to obtain the consent of users before collecting personal information. Companies must also ensure that the users know that information is being collected and have a right to revoke their consent.
The GDPR is designed to protect consumers, but some companies use fingerprinting to identify online users without their consent. The Federal Trade Commission and other federal regulators have warned against digital tracking. In addition, California’s Consumer Privacy Act regulates some forms of online tracking.
