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Websites have a new way to spy on visitors: analyzing their SSD activity - Ars Technica

Introduction to SSD Activity Analysis

Websites have found a new way to gather information about their visitors, and it's not through the usual means of cookies or tracking scripts. Instead, they're using a technique that involves analyzing the activity of a visitor's solid-state drive (SSD). This method uses simple JavaScript to measure the telltale signs of SSD activity, allowing websites to spy on their visitors in a way that was previously not possible.

How the Technique Works

The technique works by exploiting the way that SSDs handle read and write operations. When a website is loaded, it can use JavaScript to measure the time it takes for the SSD to complete certain operations, such as reading or writing data. By analyzing these timing differences, a website can infer certain information about the visitor's system, such as the type of SSD they have or the amount of available storage space. This information can then be used to create a unique fingerprint of the visitor's system, allowing the website to track them across multiple visits.

Implications of SSD Activity Analysis

The implications of this new technique are significant, as it allows websites to gather information about their visitors without their knowledge or consent. This raises serious concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse. For example, a website could use this technique to track a visitor's browsing history or to build a profile of their interests and preferences. This information could then be used for targeted advertising or other purposes, all without the visitor's knowledge or consent.

Conclusion and Future Directions

In conclusion, the ability of websites to analyze SSD activity is a new and potentially powerful tool for gathering information about visitors. However, it also raises significant concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse. As this technique becomes more widely known and used, it will be important for visitors to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect their privacy, such as using browser extensions that block tracking scripts or using a VPN to mask their IP address. Ultimately, the use of SSD activity analysis by websites will require a careful balance between the need for websites to gather information about their visitors and the need to protect the privacy of those visitors.