The most straightforward answer is that device why do websites use device fingerprinting techniques help to prevent fraud and other security threats. This type of identification uses a combination of attributes like the device’s operating system, browser version, screen resolution, language settings and more to identify a particular device and match it with fingerprints stored on the server. When a device attempts to access a website or app, it sends the fingerprint to the server. If the fingerprint matches one in the database, then the device is recognized and granted access. Otherwise, the platform can flag unusual behavior that may indicate fraud or other security threats.

Why Do Websites Use Device Fingerprinting Techniques

The key to a fingerprint’s effectiveness is having enough specific attributes that it can reliably distinguish devices out of a crowd. In order to do this, all of the collected data must be normalized. For example, a site might transform all of the device and browser data points into a uniform format so they’re easier to compare. Afterward, the fingerprinting algorithm selects the most relevant data points and assigns them a unique identifier.

When used in conjunction with other identifying technologies, such as cookies and IP addresses, device fingerprinting can provide a level of authentication that goes beyond the user’s credentials. This is especially important when combating tactics such as account takeovers, in which attackers obtain login information from compromised devices.

Device fingerprinting is also more difficult to spoof than other types of identification, such as the user’s email address or IP address. This is because most people don’t make a lot of granular changes to their operating systems, browsers and other software configurations.