Device fingerprint

A device fingerprint or machine fingerprint is information collected about the software and hardware of a remote computing device for the purpose of identification. The information is usually assimilated into a brief identifier using a fingerprinting algorithm. A browser fingerprint is information collected specifically by interaction with the web browser of the device.^: 1

Device fingerprints can be used to fully or partially identify individual devices even when persistent cookies (and zombie cookies) cannot be read or stored in the browser, the client IP address is hidden, or one switches to another browser on the same device. This may allow a service provider to detect and prevent identity theft and credit card fraud,^: 299 but also to compile long-term records of individuals' browsing histories (and deliver targeted advertising^{: 821 : 9} or targeted exploits^{: 8 : 547}) even when they are attempting to avoid tracking – raising a major concern for internet privacy advocates.