Forensic Examination of Digital Fingerprints of Computer Devices

The authors examine the theoretical and practical problems connected with determining the concept and the possibilities of using digital fingerprints of computer devices, found in the information-communication networks, in court proceedings. The authors present key goals of identifying computer devices by their digital fingerprints based on selected key and specific features from the standpoint of digital criminalistics. It is stated that a device fingerprint is a digital trace formed as an arbitrary value of parameters, the configurations of software and hardware of a specific computer device. It is virtually impossible to falsify a digital fingerprint. Key areas of using device fingerprints are examined. The list of parameters used for identifying a digital device by its computer fingerprint in Russian and foreign practice is analyzed. In Russian legal practice, a digital fingerprint is formed by the identifiers of the device’s hardware, operation system’s version, browser’s version, and others. The authors point out that there are two types of device fingerprints: browser fingerprint (helps identify both desktop and mobile devices) and mobile device’s fingerprint. Due to a complex formation mechanism of this type of fingerprints connected with its unique character and frequency of changes in its features, the authors describe the circumstances that should be taken into consideration when obtaining it. They present some methods for improving the effectiveness of this work and further identification of a specific device by its digital fingerprints, as well as a system of criminalistic situations of using device fingerprints. In conclusion it is stated that device fingerprints have a considerable identification potential that could be used not only within the framework of anti-fraud systems, but also in preventing and investigating computer-related incidents and cybercrimes, user de-anonymization, as well as protection of copyright and development of targeted advertising.