Device fingerprint

A unique identifier, similar to a person’s fingerprints, a device fingerprint is a set of data points about a specific device, such as a computer or smartphone, that can distinguish it from others. Websites and applications use it to recognize and track users for purposes such as security and personalization.

Example

When a user visits a website, their device shares information such as browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and installed plugins. This set of attributes creates a unique profile, or device fingerprint, which can identify the device on later visits. Online retailers might use device fingerprints to personalize the user experience, while banks could use them for fraud detection and prevention by checking whether a user’s device matches a known fingerprint before granting access to sensitive information.