A multi-session browser (or multi-browser) is a specialized web browser designed to create multiple, independent browsing sessions simultaneously. Each session appears to come from a different user with unique identifiers, IP addresses, and digital fingerprints. This technology can be used for both legitimate and fraudulent purposes.
How multi-session browsers work
Multi-session browsers create isolated environments for each browser instance. They often use proxy servers or VPNs to route traffic through different IP addresses. The browser manipulates various tracking identifiers like cookies, canvas fingerprints, and user agent strings.
Each session appears completely separate from others to websites and tracking systems. This makes it difficult for sites to detect that the traffic is coming from the same device.
Legitimate uses in business
Some businesses use multi-session browsers for valid purposes:
- Managing multiple social media accounts
- Testing websites across different user scenarios
- Comparing prices across regions
- Running multiple marketplace seller accounts
Role in click fraud and ad abuse
Unfortunately, multi-session browsers are popular tools for click fraud schemes. Bad actors use them to generate fake ad clicks that appear to come from different users. This helps them bypass click fraud detection systems.
Fraudsters can automate hundreds or thousands of sessions to drain advertising budgets quickly. Each click looks like it's from a unique visitor, making the fraud harder to spot.
Protecting against multi-browser fraud
Advertisers need sophisticated fraud detection to identify traffic from multi-session browsers. Modern solutions look for patterns that reveal multiple sessions coming from the same source. These might include:
- Similar mouse movement patterns
- Identical session timing
- Matching browser configurations
- Suspicious IP address patterns
Impact on digital advertising
Multi-session browser fraud costs advertisers millions in wasted ad spend annually. It can severely impact campaign performance metrics and lead to poor optimization decisions. Businesses must stay vigilant and use click fraud prevention tools to protect their advertising investments.
See also: anti-detect browser, headless browser
