Sorry, I'm late to this discussion. I use a VPN (supposedly no log records), but I don't understand the "unique ID" aspect as it relates to tracking etc. Am I still leaving a trail despite the VPN? Would it be possible for you to briefly elaborate on the mechanics so those of us without a background in IT or cybersecurity can understand? Thanks.
IF you're feeling generous: how do some sites know I use a VPN? Why do they block me, and is there a workaround? Thanks again.
Originally Posted by rico7
Kind of deep in the woods - I don't worry about my browser fingerprint. Your browser has a finger print that consists of everything a website can get from your browser - What kind of browser, extensions, fonts, width/height, what OS you use Mac or windows etc... You may be unique depending on all that or you may not.
TOR browser tries to combat this by making it's browser like everyone else, so you get lost in the masses. Security by looking like everyone else and not unique.
Like real fingerprints, if your fingerprint isn't in a database, they're not going to be able to associate your fingerprint with you, until you get caught. There are plenty of bigger things to worry about.
All Enterprise firewalls can determine what application you are using and can tell you're using a VPN. Banks and other sites think you're only using a VPN to hide criminal activity. Not a fan, but nothing you can do.
VPNs and Tor used to be blocked because there were list of IP addresses of VPNs and Tor exit nodes a firewall could use to block those IPs. That's not the case today. Firewalls are sophisticated today, they can look at more than just an IP address.
You MIGHT be able to bypass if a company is lazy and only uses IP lists by building your own so the IP you're coming from is unknown and unlisted anywhere.