Patent Publication Number: US-11641373-B1

Title: Systems and methods for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Internet browsing activities including accessing websites over enterprise and home computer networks often include web tracking during browsing sessions that may compromise user privacy by maintaining and/or utilizing private user data. For example, content (such as an advertisement), being viewed on a website by a user may include a website tracker configured to store identifying information about a user (e.g., a user&#39;s browsing history or contact information) in a browser cookie or as a fingerprint on a local storage device so that when same content from the same domain is loaded by a different website, the website tracker may continue serving the user with additional targeted advertising or other content without the user&#39;s consent. 
     Traditionally, web tracking is handled by utilizing methods including deleting all browser cookies or by adding a fake browsing history (e.g., in the form of fake browsing sessions) to defend against fingerprinting which is a technique that utilizes and shares a user&#39;s actual browsing history between websites. However, these traditional methods often result in deleting cookies, thereby incurring usability issues due to lost browser states. Moreover, traditional fingerprinting defense methods often fail as they are based on inherent software properties and the hardware running a web browser such that some web trackers are able to distinguish between real and fake browsing sessions. 
     SUMMARY 
     As will be described in greater detail below, the present disclosure describes various systems and methods for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
     In one example, a method for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions may include (i) detecting a user request, including a private domain, for a website in a web browser address bar during a browsing session, (ii) separating, utilizing a browser container, a user browsing state associated with the private domain from other domains during the browsing session, (iii) routing the user website request to one or more servers in a random order to run the browsing session, (iv) performing a browsing state security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data collected during the browsing session, and (v) performing a web isolation security action that protects against use of browser fingerprint data for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of the user website request to the servers in the random order. 
     In some examples, the user website request may be detected by determining the private domain based on a list of domain name suffixes maintained in a data repository. In some embodiments, the list of domain name suffixes may include a list of equivalent domains comprising a common identification label. 
     In some examples, the user browsing state associated with the private domain may be separated from other domains during the browsing session by generating a separate browser container for the private domain and each of the other domains. In some embodiments, separate browser container may isolate the user browsing state. 
     In some examples, the user website request may be routed to the servers in a random order to run the browsing session by (i) routing each of a group of website requests from a single user to a different server or (ii) routing a website request from each of a group of different users to a single server. 
     In some examples, the browsing state security action may be performed discarding a group of web cookies including the user browsing state data when all of a group of related web browser tabs are closed to end the browsing session. In other examples, the browsing state security action may be performed by (i) detecting related domains during the browsing session, (ii) presenting the related domains to a user, and (iii) receiving a selection of the related domains for sharing the user browsing state data. 
     In some examples, the web isolation security action may be performed by mixing the browser fingerprint data between a pool of users on the servers to prevent use of the browser fingerprint data for tracking a single user browsing history. In some embodiments, the web isolation security action may be triggered in response to detecting an application programming interface (API) call utilized for generating the browser fingerprint data. In some examples, the web isolation security action may be performed when the website is at least one of (i) a low reputation website or (ii) a website providing access to sensitive data. 
     In one embodiment, a system for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions may include at least one physical processor and physical memory comprising computer-executable instructions and one or more modules that, when executed by the physical processor, cause the physical processor to (i) detect, by a detection module, a user request, including a private domain, for a website in a web browser address bar during a browsing session, (ii) separate, by a browser container module, a user browsing state associated with the private domain from other domains during the browsing session, (iii) route, by a routing module, the user website request to one or more servers in a random order to run the browsing session, (iv) perform, by a browsing state security module, a security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data collected during the browsing session, and (v) perform, by a web isolation security module, a security action that protects against use of browser fingerprint data for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of the user website request to the servers in the random order. 
     In some examples, the above-described method may be encoded as computer-readable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, a computer-readable medium may include one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, may cause the computing device to (i) detect a user request, including a private domain, for a website in a web browser address bar during a browsing session, (ii) separate, utilizing a browser container, a user browsing state associated with the private domain from other domains during the browsing session, (iii) route the user website request to one or more servers in a random order to run the browsing session, (iv) perform a browsing state security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data collected during the browsing session, and (v) perform a web isolation security action that protects against use of browser fingerprint data for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of the user website request to the servers in the random order. 
     Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of example embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example system for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of an additional example system for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
         FIG.  3    is a flow diagram of an example method for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
         FIG.  4    is a flow diagram of an additional example method for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram of a system for performing server randomization of user website requests to protect against fingerprinting. 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram of an example computing system capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram of an example computing network capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the example embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. As will be described in greater detail below, by utilizing an automated container control system that allows for the separation of user browsing states, the systems and methods described herein may enable cross-website tracking to be selectively minimized such that any web cookies utilized to enable stateful browsing (e.g., saving login details, preferences, shopping carts, etc.) may be discarded (either in whole or in part) at the conclusion of a browsing session, thereby preserving user data privacy with respect to user browsing states, as desired. Additionally, by utilizing techniques that randomize user website request arrival patterns on multiple servers, the systems and methods described herein may enable user fingerprints for determining user browsing history to be shared and mixed between a pool of real users, thereby making it impossible to track a given single user and thereby preserving user data privacy with respect to web fingerprinting. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may improve computer network security by protecting against cross-website tracking from which user data may be utilized for conducting malicious attacks on a computing device. 
     The following will provide, with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , detailed descriptions of example systems for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. Detailed descriptions of corresponding computer-implemented methods will also be provided in connection with  FIGS.  3 - 4   . A detailed description of a system for performing server randomization of user website requests to protect against fingerprinting will also be provided in connection with  FIG.  5   . In addition, detailed descriptions of an example computing system and network architecture capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein will be provided in connection with  FIGS.  6  and  7   , respectively. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example system  100  for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. As illustrated in this figure, example system  100  may include one or more modules  102  for performing one or more tasks. For example, and as will be explained in greater detail below, modules  102  may include a detection module  104  that detects a user website request  116 , including a private domain  118 , for a website in a web browser address bar during a browsing session  114 . Example system  100  may additionally include a browser container module  106  that separates a user browsing state associated with private domain  118  from other domains during browsing session  114 . Example system  100  may also include a routing module  108  that routes user website request  116  to one or more servers in a random order to run browsing session  114 . Example system  100  may additionally include a browser state security module that performs a security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data  122  collected during browsing session  114 . Example system  100  may also include a web isolation security module  112  that protects against use of browser fingerprint data  124  for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of user website request  116 . Although illustrated as separate elements, one or more of modules  102  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of a single module or application. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of modules  102  in  FIG.  1    may represent one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks. For example, and as will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules  102  may represent modules stored and configured to run on one or more computing devices, such as the devices illustrated in  FIG.  2    (e.g., computing device  202  and/or servers  206 ). One or more of modules  102  in  FIG.  1    may also represent all or portions of one or more special-purpose computers configured to perform one or more tasks. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , example system  100  may also include one or more memory devices, such as memory  140 . Memory  140  generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, memory  140  may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of modules  102 . Examples of memory  140  include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable storage memory. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , example system  100  may also include one or more physical processors, such as physical processor  130 . Physical processor  130  generally represents any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, physical processor  130  may access and/or modify one or more of modules  102  stored in memory  140 . Additionally or alternatively, physical processor  130  may execute one or more of modules  102  to facilitate protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. Examples of physical processor  130  include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable physical processor. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , example system  100  may also include a data storage  120  for storing data. In one example, data storage  120  may store browsing session  114  including user website request  116  and private domain  118 . Data storage  120  may also include user browsing state data  122  and browser fingerprint data  124 . 
     Example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, all or a portion of example system  100  may represent portions of example system  200  in  FIG.  2   . As shown in  FIG.  2   , system  200  may include a computing device  202  in communication with servers  206  via a network  204 . In one example, all or a portion of the functionality of modules  102  may be performed by computing device  202 , servers  206 , and/or any other suitable computing system. As will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules  102  from  FIG.  1    may, when executed by at least one processor of computing device  202  and/or servers  206 , enable computing device  202  and/or servers  206  to protect user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
     For example, detection module may detect user website request  116  for a website  208  in a web browser address bar during a browsing session. Then, browser container module  106  may separate user browsing state data  122  associated with a private domain from other domains during the browsing session. Next, routing module  108  may route user website request  116  to servers  206  in a random order to run the browsing session. Then, browser state security module  110  may perform a security action that protects against cross-website tracking. The security action may include a discard user browsing state data action  210 . Finally, web isolation security module  112  may perform an additional security action that protects against use of browser fingerprint data for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of user website request  116  to servers  206 . The additional security action may include a mix browser fingerprint data between users action  212 . 
     Computing device  202  generally represents any type or form of computing device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. In some examples, computing device  202  may be an endpoint device running client-side security software in connection with user web browsing sessions. Additional examples of computing device  202  include, without limitation, laptops, tablets, desktops, servers, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), multimedia players, embedded systems, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart glasses, etc.), smart vehicles, smart packaging (e.g., active or intelligent packaging), gaming consoles, so-called Internet-of-Things devices (e.g., smart appliances, etc.), variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable computing device. 
     Servers  206  generally represent any type or form of computing device that is capable of servicing user website requests from one or more client devices. In some examples, servers  206  may represent a plurality of servers that work and/or operate in conjunction with one another. Additional examples of server  206   s  include, without limitation, security servers, application servers, web servers, storage servers, and/or database servers configured to run certain software applications and/or provide various security, web, storage, and/or database services. 
     Network  204  generally represents any medium or architecture capable of facilitating communication or data transfer. In one example, network  204  may facilitate communication between computing device  202  and servers  206 . In this example, network  204  may facilitate communication or data transfer using wireless and/or wired connections. Examples of network  204  include, without limitation, an intranet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), the Internet, Power Line Communications (PLC), a cellular network (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable network. 
       FIG.  3    is a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method  300  for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. The steps shown in  FIG.  3    may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including system  100  in  FIG.  1   , system  200  in  FIG.  2   , and/or variations or combinations of one or more of the same. In one example, each of the steps shown in  FIG.  3    may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , at step  302  one or more of the systems described herein may detect a user request for a website in a web browser address bar during a browsing session. For example, detection module  104  may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , detect user website request  116  for a website  208  in a web browser address bar during browsing session  114 . In some examples, user website request  116  may be associated with private domain  118  (e.g., “*.UCL.AC.UK,” “*.NORTONLIFELOCK.COM,” etc.). 
     The term “browsing session,” as used herein, generally refers to any temporary and interactive information interchange between two or more communicating devices over a network (e.g., the Internet). For example, a user of a client computing device may use an Internet browser application to initiate a connection to a web server for accessing a website for viewing and/or exchanging data. In some examples, a browsing session may be stateful (i.e., at least one of the communicating parties needs to hold current state information and save information about the session history in order to be able to communicate), as opposed to stateless communication, where the communication consists of independent requests with responses. 
     Detection module  104  may detect user website request  116  in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, detection module  104  may determine a private domain (e.g., private domain  118 ) based on a list of domain name suffixes maintained in a data repository. For example, detection module  104  may determine private domain  118  by accessing a public domain name resource such as https://publicsuffic.org/. In some embodiments, detection module  104  may additionally determine private domains by utilizing equivalent domain resources (such as equivalent domain lists found in password managers). For example, detection module  104  may utilize an equivalent domain list to specify that the private domains “AMAZON.FR” and “AMAZON.COM” (which share the common identification label “AMAZON”) are equivalent domains and that they should share state. 
     At step  304 , one or more of the systems described herein may separate, utilizing a browser container, a user browsing state associated with the private domain from other domains during the browsing session. For example, brower container module  106 , may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , separate user browsing state data  122  associated with private domain  118  from other domains during browsing session  114 . 
     The term “container,” as used herein, generally refers to any type of a virtual user space instance (e.g., data instances) that is isolated from other computer system resources. For example, a browser container may isolate user browsing state data for a website domain from other website domains. 
     Browser container module  106  may separate user browsing state data  122  in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, browser container module  106  may generate a separate browser container each domain (e.g., private domain  118  and any other private domains accessed during browsing session  114 ) such each separate browser container isolates a user&#39;s browsing state. 
     At step  306 , one or more of the systems described herein may route the user website request to one or more servers in a random order to run the browsing session. For example, routing module  108 , may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , route user website request  116  to servers  206  to run browsing session  114 . 
     Routing module  108  may route user website request  116  in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, routing module  108  may be configured to randomly send each of a group of website requests from a single user to a different server. Additionally or alternatively, routing module  108  may be configured to randomly send a website request from each of a group of different users to a single server. For example, as shown in the system  500  of  FIG.  5   , routing module  108  may be configured to perform server randomization by randomly sending a user website request  502  to servers  504 A (utilizing Arrival Pattern A),  504 B (utilizing Arrival Pattern B), or  504 C (utilizing Arrival Pattern C). As a result of the aforementioned randomization, the arrival patterns (e.g., Arrival Patterns A-C) for user website requests are less predictable. 
     Returning now to step  308  of  FIG.  3   , one or more of the systems described herein may perform a browsing state security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data collected during the browsing session. For example, browser state security module  110 , may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , perform a browser state security action that protects against cross-website tracking by discarding user browsing state data  122  (i.e., by executing discard user browsing state data action  210 ) collected during browsing session  114 . 
     Browser state security module  110  may perform the browser state security action in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, browser state security module  110  may discard a group of web cookies representing user browsing state data  122  when all of a group of related web browser tabs are closed (by a user) to end browsing session  114 . In some embodiments, a user may explicitly decide to maintain state between browsing sessions by submitting a user input indicating a desire to maintain state. In other embodiments, a desire to maintain state may be triggered when a user logs into a website (e.g., upon detecting a user entering text in a “password” field of a login screen for a website). 
     In some examples, a user may enable some amount of cross-website tracking to occur (e.g., to enable tailored advertising and recommendations). For example,  FIG.  4    is a flow diagram of an additional example computer-implemented method  400  for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. The steps shown in  FIG.  4    may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including system  100  in  FIG.  1   , system  200  in  FIG.  2   , and/or variations or combinations of one or more of the same. In one example, each of the steps shown in  FIG.  4    may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , at step  402  one or more of the systems described herein may detect related domains during a browsing session. For example, browser state security module  110  may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , detect related domains during browsing session  114  (e.g., detecting that a user accesses the domains “news.com” and “shopping.com”). 
     At step  404  one or more of the systems described herein may present the related domains to a user. For example, while a user is browsing a website associated with the domain “shopping.com,” browser state security module  110  may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , generate a drop-down menu showing “news.com” (and any other related domains) such that a user may be able to choose which domains should share state. 
     At step  406  one or more of the systems described herein may receive a selection of the related domains for sharing state. For example, browser state security module  110  may, as part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , receive a user selection of domains from the drop-down menu for choosing which of a set of domains (e.g., “shopping.com” and “news.com”) should share state. 
     Returning now to step  310  of  FIG.  3   , one or more of the systems described herein may perform a perform a web isolation security action that protects against use of browser fingerprint data for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of the user website request to the servers in the random order. For example, web isolation security module  112  may, part of computing device  202  in  FIG.  2   , perform a web isolation security action (i.e., by executing mix browser fingerprint data between users action  212 ) that protects against use of browser fingerprint data  124  for conducting malicious attacks based on the routing of user website request  116  to servers  206 . In some embodiments, the web isolation security action may be triggered in response to detecting an application programming interface (API) call utilized for generating browser fingerprint data  124 . In some examples, the domains associated with the detected APIs may be utilized to create and/or maintain a greylist of domains that could perform fingerprinting. In some embodiments, the web isolation security action may be scaled to limit costs associated with a large pool of users while maintaining any quality of service (QoS) requirements. For example, in one embodiment, the web isolation security action may be performed on lower-reputation and/or sensitive website domains accessed during a browsing session (e.g., medical websites). 
     The term “browser fingerprint,” as used herein, generally refers to any information collected via interaction with a web browser on a computing device. For example, a browser fingerprint may be utilized to compile records of user Internet browsing histories, deliver targeted advertising, and/or deliver targeted exploits (e.g., cyberattacks) on a user&#39;s computing device. 
     Web isolation security module  112  may protect against use of browser fingerprint data  124  in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, web isolation security module  112  may mix browser fingerprint data between a pool of users on servers  206  to prevent it&#39;s use in tracking a single user browsing history. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , servers  504 A,  504 B, and  504 C, each contain multiple instances of browser fingerprint data  508  for multiple users, thus making it impractical to track a given single user. 
     As explained in connection with method  300  above, the systems and methods described herein provide a framework for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions by separating browsing states between each website that users visit. By utilizing an automated container control system that allows for the separation of user browsing states, cross-website tracking may be selectively minimized such that any web cookies utilized to enable stateful browsing (e.g., saving login details, preferences, shopping carts, etc.) may be discarded (either in whole or in part) at the conclusion of a browsing session. Additionally, by utilizing techniques that randomize user website request arrival patterns on multiple servers, user fingerprints utilized to determine user browsing history may be shared and mixed between a pool of real users, thereby making it impossible to track a given single user. 
       FIG.  6    is a block diagram of an example computing system  610  capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. For example, all or a portion of computing system  610  may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the steps described herein (such as one or more of the steps illustrated in  FIG.  3   ). All or a portion of computing system  610  may also perform and/or be a means for performing any other steps, methods, or processes described and/or illustrated herein. 
     Computing system  610  broadly represents any single or multi-processor computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions. Examples of computing system  610  include, without limitation, workstations, laptops, client-side terminals, servers, distributed computing systems, handheld devices, or any other computing system or device. In its most basic configuration, computing system  610  may include at least one processor  614  and a system memory  616 . 
     Processor  614  generally represents any type or form of physical processing unit (e.g., a hardware-implemented central processing unit) capable of processing data or interpreting and executing instructions. In certain embodiments, processor  614  may receive instructions from a software application or module. These instructions may cause processor  614  to perform the functions of one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. 
     System memory  616  generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of system memory  616  include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments computing system  610  may include both a volatile memory unit (such as, for example, system memory  616 ) and a non-volatile storage device (such as, for example, primary storage device  632 , as described in detail below). In one example, one or more of modules  102  from  FIG.  1    may be loaded into system memory  616 . 
     In some examples, system memory  616  may store and/or load an operating system  640  for execution by processor  614 . In one example, operating system  640  may include and/or represent software that manages computer hardware and software resources and/or provides common services to computer programs and/or applications on computing system  610 . Examples of operating system  640  include, without limitation, LINUX, JUNOS, MICROSOFT WINDOWS, WINDOWS MOBILE, MAC OS, APPLE&#39;S I 0 S, UNIX, GOOGLE CHROME OS, GOOGLE&#39;S ANDROID, SOLARIS, variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable operating system. 
     In certain embodiments, example computing system  610  may also include one or more components or elements in addition to processor  614  and system memory  616 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , computing system  610  may include a memory controller  618 , an Input/Output (I/O) controller  620 , and a communication interface  622 , each of which may be interconnected via a communication infrastructure  612 . Communication infrastructure  612  generally represents any type or form of infrastructure capable of facilitating communication between one or more components of a computing device. Examples of communication infrastructure  612  include, without limitation, a communication bus (such as an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), PCI Express (PCIe), or similar bus) and a network. 
     Memory controller  618  generally represents any type or form of device capable of handling memory or data or controlling communication between one or more components of computing system  610 . For example, in certain embodiments memory controller  618  may control communication between processor  614 , system memory  616 , and I/O controller  620  via communication infrastructure  612 . 
     I/O controller  620  generally represents any type or form of module capable of coordinating and/or controlling the input and output functions of a computing device. For example, in certain embodiments I/O controller  620  may control or facilitate transfer of data between one or more elements of computing system  610 , such as processor  614 , system memory  616 , communication interface  622 , display adapter  626 , input interface  630 , and storage interface  634 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , computing system  610  may also include at least one display device  624  coupled to I/O controller  620  via a display adapter  626 . Display device  624  generally represents any type or form of device capable of visually displaying information forwarded by display adapter  626 . Similarly, display adapter  626  generally represents any type or form of device configured to forward graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure  612  (or from a frame buffer, as known in the art) for display on display device  624 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , example computing system  610  may also include at least one input device  628  coupled to I/O controller  620  via an input interface  630 . Input device  628  generally represents any type or form of input device capable of providing input, either computer or human generated, to example computing system  610 . Examples of input device  628  include, without limitation, a keyboard, a pointing device, a speech recognition device, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other input device. 
     Additionally or alternatively, example computing system  610  may include additional I/O devices. For example, example computing system  610  may include I/O device  636 . In this example, I/O device  636  may include and/or represent a user interface that facilitates human interaction with computing system  610 . Examples of I/O device  636  include, without limitation, a computer mouse, a keyboard, a monitor, a printer, a modem, a camera, a scanner, a microphone, a touchscreen device, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other I/O device. 
     Communication interface  622  broadly represents any type or form of communication device or adapter capable of facilitating communication between example computing system  610  and one or more additional devices. For example, in certain embodiments communication interface  622  may facilitate communication between computing system  610  and a private or public network including additional computing systems. Examples of communication interface  622  include, without limitation, a wired network interface (such as a network interface card), a wireless network interface (such as a wireless network interface card), a modem, and any other suitable interface. In at least one embodiment, communication interface  622  may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct link to a network, such as the Internet. Communication interface  622  may also indirectly provide such a connection through, for example, a local area network (such as an Ethernet network), a personal area network, a telephone or cable network, a cellular telephone connection, a satellite data connection, or any other suitable connection. 
     In certain embodiments, communication interface  622  may also represent a host adapter configured to facilitate communication between computing system  610  and one or more additional network or storage devices via an external bus or communications channel. Examples of host adapters include, without limitation, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) host adapters, Universal Serial Bus (USB) host adapters, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 host adapters, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Parallel ATA (PATA), Serial ATA (SATA), and External SATA (eSATA) host adapters, Fibre Channel interface adapters, Ethernet adapters, or the like. Communication interface  622  may also allow computing system  610  to engage in distributed or remote computing. For example, communication interface  622  may receive instructions from a remote device or send instructions to a remote device for execution. 
     In some examples, system memory  616  may store and/or load a network communication program  638  for execution by processor  614 . In one example, network communication program  638  may include and/or represent software that enables computing system  610  to establish a network connection  642  with another computing system (not illustrated in  FIG.  6   ) and/or communicate with the other computing system by way of communication interface  622 . In this example, network communication program  638  may direct the flow of outgoing traffic that is sent to the other computing system via network connection  642 . Additionally or alternatively, network communication program  638  may direct the processing of incoming traffic that is received from the other computing system via network connection  642  in connection with processor  614 . 
     Although not illustrated in this way in  FIG.  6   , network communication program  638  may alternatively be stored and/or loaded in communication interface  622 . For example, network communication program  638  may include and/or represent at least a portion of software and/or firmware that is executed by a processor and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) incorporated in communication interface  622 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , example computing system  610  may also include a primary storage device  632  and a backup storage device  633  coupled to communication infrastructure  612  via a storage interface  634 . Storage devices  632  and  633  generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. For example, storage devices  632  and  633  may be a magnetic disk drive (e.g., a so-called hard drive), a solid state drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash drive, or the like. Storage interface  634  generally represents any type or form of interface or device for transferring data between storage devices  632  and  633  and other components of computing system  610 . In one example, data storage  120  from  FIG.  1    may be stored and/or loaded in primary storage device  632 . 
     In certain embodiments, storage devices  632  and  633  may be configured to read from and/or write to a removable storage unit configured to store computer software, data, or other computer-readable information. Examples of suitable removable storage units include, without limitation, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a flash memory device, or the like. Storage devices  632  and  633  may also include other similar structures or devices for allowing computer software, data, or other computer-readable instructions to be loaded into computing system  610 . For example, storage devices  632  and  633  may be configured to read and write software, data, or other computer-readable information. Storage devices  632  and  633  may also be a part of computing system  610  or may be a separate device accessed through other interface systems. 
     Many other devices or subsystems may be connected to computing system  610 . Conversely, all of the components and devices illustrated in  FIG.  6    need not be present to practice the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. The devices and subsystems referenced above may also be interconnected in different ways from that shown in  FIG.  6   . Computing system  610  may also employ any number of software, firmware, and/or hardware configurations. For example, one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be encoded as a computer program (also referred to as computer software, software applications, computer-readable instructions, or computer control logic) on a computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems. 
     The computer-readable medium containing the computer program may be loaded into computing system  610 . All or a portion of the computer program stored on the computer-readable medium may then be stored in system memory  616  and/or various portions of storage devices  632  and  633 . When executed by processor  614 , a computer program loaded into computing system  610  may cause processor  614  to perform and/or be a means for performing the functions of one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented in firmware and/or hardware. For example, computing system  610  may be configured as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) adapted to implement one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  7    is a block diagram of an example network architecture  700  in which client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  and servers  740  and  745  may be coupled to a network  750 . As detailed above, all or a portion of network architecture  700  may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the steps disclosed herein (such as one or more of the steps illustrated in  FIG.  3   ). All or a portion of network architecture  700  may also be used to perform and/or be a means for performing other steps and features set forth in the present disclosure. 
     Client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  generally represent any type or form of computing device or system, such as example computing system  610  in  FIG.  6   . Similarly, servers  740  and  745  generally represent computing devices or systems, such as application servers or database servers, configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications. Network  750  generally represents any telecommunication or computer network including, for example, an intranet, a WAN, a LAN, a PAN, or the Internet. In one example, client systems  710 ,  720 , and/or  730  and/or servers  740  and/or  745  may include all or a portion of system  100  from  FIG.  1   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , one or more storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N) may be directly attached to server  740 . Similarly, one or more storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N) may be directly attached to server  745 . Storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N) and storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N) generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. In certain embodiments, storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N) and storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N) may represent Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices configured to communicate with servers  740  and  745  using various protocols, such as Network File System (NFS), Server Message Block (SMB), or Common Internet File System (CIFS). 
     Servers  740  and  745  may also be connected to a Storage Area Network (SAN) fabric  780 . SAN fabric  780  generally represents any type or form of computer network or architecture capable of facilitating communication between a plurality of storage devices. SAN fabric  780  may facilitate communication between servers  740  and  745  and a plurality of storage devices  790 ( 1 )-(N) and/or an intelligent storage array  795 . SAN fabric  780  may also facilitate, via network  750  and servers  740  and  745 , communication between client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  and storage devices  790 ( 1 )-(N) and/or intelligent storage array  795  in such a manner that devices  790 ( 1 )-(N) and array  795  appear as locally attached devices to client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730 . As with storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N) and storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N), storage devices  790 ( 1 )-(N) and intelligent storage array  795  generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. 
     In certain embodiments, and with reference to example computing system  610  of  FIG.  6   , a communication interface, such as communication interface  622  in  FIG.  6   , may be used to provide connectivity between each client system  710 ,  720 , and  730  and network  750 . Client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  may be able to access information on server  740  or  745  using, for example, a web browser or other client software. Such software may allow client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  to access data hosted by server  740 , server  745 , storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N), storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N), storage devices  790 ( 1 )-(N), or intelligent storage array  795 . Although  FIG.  7    depicts the use of a network (such as the Internet) for exchanging data, the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein are not limited to the Internet or any particular network-based environment. 
     In at least one embodiment, all or a portion of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be encoded as a computer program and loaded onto and executed by server  740 , server  745 , storage devices  760 ( 1 )-(N), storage devices  770 ( 1 )-(N), storage devices  790 ( 1 )-(N), intelligent storage array  795 , or any combination thereof. All or a portion of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may also be encoded as a computer program, stored in server  740 , run by server  745 , and distributed to client systems  710 ,  720 , and  730  over network  750 . 
     As detailed above, computing system  610  and/or one or more components of network architecture  700  may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more steps of an example method for protecting user data privacy against web tracking during browsing sessions. 
     While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered example in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. 
     In some examples, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of a cloud-computing or network-based environment. Cloud-computing environments may provide various services and applications via the Internet. These cloud-based services (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, etc.) may be accessible through a web browser or other remote interface. Various functions described herein may be provided through a remote desktop environment or any other cloud-based computing environment. 
     In various embodiments, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may facilitate multi-tenancy within a cloud-based computing environment. In other words, the software modules described herein may configure a computing system (e.g., a server) to facilitate multi-tenancy for one or more of the functions described herein. For example, one or more of the software modules described herein may program a server to enable two or more clients (e.g., customers) to share an application that is running on the server. A server programmed in this manner may share an application, operating system, processing system, and/or storage system among multiple customers (i.e., tenants). One or more of the modules described herein may also partition data and/or configuration information of a multi-tenant application for each customer such that one customer cannot access data and/or configuration information of another customer. 
     According to various embodiments, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may be implemented within a virtual environment. For example, the modules and/or data described herein may reside and/or execute within a virtual machine. As used herein, the term “virtual machine” generally refers to any operating system environment that is abstracted from computing hardware by a virtual machine manager (e.g., a hypervisor). Additionally or alternatively, the modules and/or data described herein may reside and/or execute within a virtualization layer. As used herein, the term “virtualization layer” generally refers to any data layer and/or application layer that overlays and/or is abstracted from an operating system environment. A virtualization layer may be managed by a software virtualization solution (e.g., a file system filter) that presents the virtualization layer as though it were part of an underlying base operating system. For example, a software virtualization solution may redirect calls that are initially directed to locations within a base file system and/or registry to locations within a virtualization layer. 
     In some examples, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of a mobile computing environment. Mobile computing environments may be implemented by a wide range of mobile computing devices, including mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, personal digital assistants, wearable computing devices (e.g., computing devices with a head-mounted display, smartwatches, etc.), and the like. In some examples, mobile computing environments may have one or more distinct features, including, for example, reliance on battery power, presenting only one foreground application at any given time, remote management features, touchscreen features, location and movement data (e.g., provided by Global Positioning Systems, gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.), restricted platforms that restrict modifications to system-level configurations and/or that limit the ability of third-party software to inspect the behavior of other applications, controls to restrict the installation of applications (e.g., to only originate from approved application stores), etc. Various functions described herein may be provided for a mobile computing environment and/or may interact with a mobile computing environment. 
     In addition, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of, interact with, consume data produced by, and/or produce data consumed by one or more systems for information management. As used herein, the term “information management” may refer to the protection, organization, and/or storage of data. Examples of systems for information management may include, without limitation, storage systems, backup systems, archival systems, replication systems, high availability systems, data search systems, virtualization systems, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of, produce data protected by, and/or communicate with one or more systems for information security. As used herein, the term “information security” may refer to the control of access to protected data. Examples of systems for information security may include, without limitation, systems providing managed security services, data loss prevention systems, identity authentication systems, access control systems, encryption systems, policy compliance systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems, electronic discovery systems, and the like. 
     According to some examples, all or a portion of example system  100  in  FIG.  1    may represent portions of, communicate with, and/or receive protection from one or more systems for endpoint security. As used herein, the term “endpoint security” may refer to the protection of endpoint systems from unauthorized and/or illegitimate use, access, and/or control. Examples of systems for endpoint protection may include, without limitation, anti-malware systems, user authentication systems, encryption systems, privacy systems, spam-filtering services, and the like. 
     The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed. 
     While various embodiments have been described and/or illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more of these example embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein. 
     In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form to another by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computing device. 
     The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This example description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”