Websites' Dynamic Tracking: Adapting To Monitor Sizes

Websites can determine a user's screen size and resolution if the web browser is maximised to fill the screen. This is possible through a JavaScript API where web browsers report the browser window size. The website can then query this information. This is also possible through browser fingerprinting, where a snapshot of the user's browser settings is taken and saved with a unique ID. This allows websites to determine the screen size of a user.

Javascript and Flash can be used to track screen size

Websites can use Javascript and Flash to track a user's screen size. Javascript has access to the window.screen object, which contains information about the user's screen, including the screen's width and height. This information can be used to calculate the screen resolution. By maximising the window, the browser reports the screen size as the browser window size, which can be used to track the user.

Javascript

Function xxx() {

Var x = window.screen.Width;

Console.log(x);

}

SetInterval(xxx, 1000);

However, this function may not work as expected when the window is resized to a width less than 1024. In this case, the function will not output a width less than 1024. To fix this issue, you can use the window.innerWidth property instead of window.screen.Width. window.innerWidth gets the browser width and changes according to manual resizing of the browser. Here is an updated version of the function:

Javascript

Function widthResizer() {

Var width = window.innerWidth;

Console.log(width);

}

// Getting the width of the browser on load

WidthResizer();

// Getting the width of the browser whenever the screen resolution changes

Window.addEventListener('resize', widthResizer);

Another way to get the screen size is by using the window.screen.availWidth and window.screen.availHeight properties. These properties give the available width and height of the screen, excluding any toolbars or scrollbars. To get the exact width and height, you can use the window.screen.width and window.screen.height properties.

It is important to note that using an unusual screen resolution or manually resizing the browser window can make it easier for websites to track and identify a user. This is because the combination of screen resolution, browser window size, and other settings can be unique enough to distinguish one user from another.

IP addresses can be used to identify a user

Websites can track monitor size through the use of JavaScript, which can report the browser window size. This can be used to determine the monitor size and track the user. This is especially true if the user maximises their browser window, as this can provide a unique identifier.

Now, onto IP addresses. An IP address is a numerical label that identifies a device and its general location. IP addresses are important because they allow devices to send and receive data and access online services. However, IP addresses can also be used to identify a user and track their online activity. While it is not entirely reliable, as IP addresses can change, and multiple users can share the same IP address, it can provide some level of identification. IP addresses can be used in combination with other information, such as browsing history, to send targeted advertisements. They can also be used to restrict access to certain services or online content based on geographic location. In some cases, IP addresses can even be used to launch cyberattacks, such as DoS/DDoS attacks, or for illegal activities such as identity theft or impersonation. To protect their privacy, users can take steps such as using a VPN or proxy server to hide their IP address.

Cookies can be used to track a user's activity

Websites can determine a user's monitor size when they maximise their browser window. This can be used to track a user's activity, as it can be used to create a unique fingerprint of the user.

Cookies can also be used to track a user's activity. Cookies are small text files that are placed on a user's browser by a website to collect data about their online activities. This data includes search and browser history, language preferences, on-site behaviour, and ads seen and interacted with. Cookies can be first-party or third-party. First-party cookies are set by the website the user is visiting, while third-party cookies are created by external services or advertisers. Third-party cookies are used to track a user's activity across different sites.

Tracking cookies work by assigning a unique identifier to each user, which is stored within the cookie. This enables websites to recognise and differentiate individual users. Cookies may remain on a user's browser for years, collecting information about the user.

The use of tracking cookies is regulated in many parts of the world, including the EU, the US, Brazil, South Africa, and Canada. In the EU, for example, the GDPR requires websites to obtain explicit consent from users before storing non-essential cookies on their device. Users must actively opt-in to the use of tracking cookies, and they must be able to revoke their consent at any time.

Logging in to a service can identify a user

When you maximise your screen, websites can determine your monitor size, which can be used to track you. This is because web browsers have a JavaScript API that reports the browser window size, which a website can then query.

Logging into a service can identify a user as it requires authentication. When a user logs in, they are authenticated by the service, which confirms their identity. This is often done by entering a username and password unique to the user. This is a direct way of identifying a user, compared to the indirect method of tracking monitor size.

Logging in to a service can also identify a user by their activity. When a user logs in, their activity on that service can be tracked and linked to their account. This could include any actions they take, such as creating or modifying content, or interacting with other users. This activity can be used to build a profile of the user, which can be used to identify them in the future, even if they are not logged in.

Additionally, logging in to a service can identify a user by their device. Many services collect information about the devices that users log in from, such as the device type, operating system, and IP address. This information can be used to identify a user, especially when combined with other data points, such as the user's location or browsing habits.

Finally, logging in to a service can identify a user by their location. When a user logs in, the service may collect information about their location, such as their country, region, or even their exact coordinates if location services are enabled. This location data can be used to identify a user, especially when combined with other identifying information, such as their device details or login history.

In summary, logging in to a service can identify a user through various means, including authentication, activity tracking, device information, and location data. These methods can be used individually or in combination to confirm a user's identity and provide a personalised experience.

Browser fingerprinting can be used to track a user

Browser fingerprinting is a set of tools and techniques that can be used to track a user by capturing data through their browsing activity. This data includes information such as the user's operating system, browser type, screen resolution, time zone, and keyboard layout. By processing these details, a unique identifier or "digital fingerprint" is created for each user, allowing them to be tracked across different browsing sessions and devices.

The effectiveness of browser fingerprinting lies in its ability to generate a high-entropy identifier, meaning the collected data points create a complex and unique profile that distinguishes one user from millions of others online. This approach provides a level of precision in visitor identification that surpasses conventional methods, making it a powerful tool for accurately recognizing and tracking site visitors.

Maximizing the browser window can also allow websites to determine monitor size, which can be used as part of the browser fingerprint to track a user. This information can be queried through a JavaScript API, and websites can then use this data to track a user's activity and pass that information on to data brokers.

While browser fingerprinting was initially invented to help keep online data safe and secure accounts by tracking and blocking suspicious devices, it has also become a powerful tool for user tracking and targeted advertising. This has raised concerns among privacy advocates, as it is currently unregulated and difficult for users to detect or prevent.

Frequently asked questions