Home/Threats/Tracking

Online Tracking

How You're Followed Across the Web

12 min read Updated 2024

Tracking Methods

Cookies

Small files storing tracking identifiers

Traditional

Browser Fingerprinting

Unique device characteristics identification

Advanced

Tracking Pixels

Invisible 1x1 images for monitoring

Hidden

URL Parameters

Tracking IDs embedded in links

Inline

Browser Fingerprinting

Even without cookies, your browser reveals a unique combination of attributes:

Fingerprint Components
User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0...)
Screen Resolution: 1920x1080
Timezone: UTC-5
Installed Fonts: 147 fonts detected
Canvas Hash: a7f3b2c1d4e5...
WebGL Renderer: NVIDIA GeForce...

Third-Party Tracking

Google AnalyticsPresent on 80%+ of websites
Facebook PixelTracks across millions of sites
Ad NetworksReal-time bidding exposes your data
Data BrokersAggregate and sell your profile

Anti-Tracking Tools

  • uBlock Origin - blocks trackers and ads
  • Firefox with Enhanced Tracking Protection
  • Tor Browser - uniform fingerprint
  • privacy.resistFingerprinting in Firefox
  • Clear cookies automatically
  • Use container tabs for isolation