fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is a method of identifying and tracking individuals or devices based on unique characteristics. In the context of digital security, it involves gathering specific information about a device—such as browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and installed plugins—to create a unique profile. This profile can be used to recognize or monitor a device without requiring explicit user identification like a password. Fingerprinting helps websites and security systems detect suspicious activity or ensure consistent user experience, but it also raises privacy concerns because it enables ongoing tracking without direct user consent.