Client Fingerprint Editing During TLS Negotiation for Internet Anonymity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively maintain internet anonymity by preventing device fingerprinting, which can reveal user identities and browsing histories despite the use of VPNs or hidden IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that modifies client fingerprint data during cryptographic protocol negotiations, such as TLS/SSL handshakes, to generate an augmented client signature that obfuscates identifying characteristics, allowing for secure and anonymous network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If device fingerprinting is used for identification, then user identification accuracy is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the client generate and send a fingerprint that intentionally obscures identifying characteristics, rather than the server extracting fingerprints from client data. This inversion allows the client to control what information is revealed, maintaining privacy while enabling identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fingerprint data structure that sits between the raw client device information and the server's identification processes. This intermediary layer processes and anonymizes device characteristics, allowing identification without exposing raw personal information.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive device parameters are collected for fingerprinting, then fingerprint accuracy is improved, but computational resources for monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identifying characteristics needed for fingerprinting while discarding redundant or overly detailed parameters. The client generates a condensed fingerprint data structure that contains sufficient information for identification without the computational overhead of processing comprehensive device parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms detailed device parameters into a standardized fingerprint format with controlled precision. By changing the parameter representation from raw detailed values to processed fingerprint values, the system maintains identification accuracy while reducing the computational burden of monitoring and processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard client fingerprints are used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but anonymity against tracking is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the fingerprint data. Certain fields contain standardized information for compatibility with existing systems, while other fields contain anonymized or obfuscated data that protects user identity. This local differentiation allows the fingerprint to serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fingerprint structure that combines elements suitable for system compatibility with elements designed for anonymity protection. The fingerprint data structure integrates both standardized identifiers and anonymized characteristics, functioning as a composite solution that satisfies conflicting requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for altering client fingerprint that includes editing data components of network communication from a client device to a server, which comprises editing network protocol data from the client during negotiation of a cryptographic protocol; selectively enabling access to library components specified in the edited client network protocol data; and sending a client communication to the server using the edited client network protocol data.