Understanding Device Layers

The Device Layers represent numerous system identifiers which are basically constant on the device, since the typical user will not be changing their web browser or version of JavaScript before placing each order. There are five device layers that Kount tracks:

• Device Layer 1: Gathers data from a computer regarding network, Operating System, and SSL.
• Device Layer 2: Gathers data from a computer regarding Flash.
• Device Layer 3: Gathers data from a computer regarding JavaScript.
• Device Layer 4: Gathers data from a computer regarding the HTTP header.
• Device Layer 5: Gathers data from a computer regarding the Web browser.

This information can be found within the Link Analysis section of the Transaction Details page and can be leveraged during manual reviews or when you create rules. It is important to remember that the device layers differ from the Device ID. The Device ID is a value which represents the device used in the transaction whereas the device layers represent various layers that make up that device.

If you ever see all of the device layers matching but there is a different device ID associated with each order, then there is a likelihood that these orders are all being placed via a mobile device or an appliance (ex: Xbox). These types of linkages do not necessarily indicate fraud. This is because most users who use these types of products use the default options and do not customize them as computer users tend to do. To confirm if the device layers are linking together because of default settings that you would see on a mobile device or appliance, review the Mobile Type field found within the Extended Variables section of the Transaction Details page.