You will see a summary of your overall tracking protection. The first section gives you a general idea of what your browser configuration is blocking (or not blocking). Below that is a list of specific browser characteristics in the format that a tracker would view them. We also provide descriptions of how they are incorporated into your fingerprint.
Trackers use a variety of methods to identify and track users. Most often, this includes tracking cookies, but it can also include browser fingerprinting. Fingerprinting is a sneakier way to track users and makes it harder for users to regain control of their browsers. This report measures how easily trackers might be able to fingerprint your browser.
Knowing how easily identifiable you are, or whether you are currently blocking trackers, can help you know what to do next to protect your privacy. While most trackers can be derailed by browser add-ons or built-in protection mechanisms, the sneakiest trackers have ways around even the strongest security. We recommend you use a tracker blocker like Privacy Badger or use a browser that has fingerprinting protection built in.
A “bit” is a basic unit of information for computers. The bit represents a logical state with one of two possible values, often represented as "1" or "0", for example. In your results from Cover Your Tracks, some metrics may be listed as “1” or “0”, or “true” or “false”, indicating whether a setting is enabled or disabled. While each individual metric’s details may seem like a small amount of information, when combined with your browser’s other metrics, they can uniquely identify your browser. Your results are measured in “bits of identifying information,” which is a combined summary of all these metrics.