Company
Date Published
Author
Mdu Sibisi
Word count
4838
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Browser fingerprinting is a technique used to identify website visitors by collecting information from their web browsers and devices, offering a more persistent form of identification compared to cookies, which can be blocked or cleared by users. This method remains effective even when cookies are disabled, enabling accurate identification using numerous data points. Fingerprinting can enhance user experience and provide security benefits, such as detecting fraudulent activities, preventing bot attacks, and enforcing paywalls. The text outlines how to integrate browser fingerprinting into a Java-based web application using Fingerprint's client-side JavaScript library and server-side Java SDK. It details setting up a web application for a competition, ensuring each visitor can enter only once by generating a unique browser fingerprint, and implementing server-side validations to bolster security. Additionally, the text explains the setup of a PostgreSQL database to store entries and the use of Thymeleaf for templating. Overall, the integration of fingerprinting offers a robust approach to maintaining fair competition entries and protecting against fraudulent behaviors.