Account sharing detection
Account sharing detection identifies when multiple individuals use the same credentials by analyzing device fingerprints, geolocation patterns, and behavioral anomalies. When sharing is detected, policy-based enforcement actions protect revenue, maintain compliance, and improve security.
💡 Why this matters
You protect subscription revenue and maintain license compliance by detecting unauthorized credential sharing while providing clear evidence for enforcement actions.
Key capabilities​
- Device fingerprinting – Identify unique devices even when IP addresses change or privacy tools are used
- Behavioral analytics – Detect impossible travel, concurrent sessions, and usage pattern anomalies
- Geolocation analysis – Flag simultaneous access from geographically distant locations
- Policy-based enforcement – Automatically limit sessions, require re-authentication, or block access
- Comprehensive reporting – Provide detailed evidence for license enforcement and compliance audits
Outcomes​
Organizations that implement account sharing detection typically achieve:
- Protected subscription revenue through reduced unauthorized account sharing
- Enhanced compliance posture with detailed audit trails and enforcement evidence
- Reduced support overhead by preventing security issues associated with shared credentials
Design principles​
- Use multiple signals rather than relying on single indicators to reduce false positives
- Provide clear user guidance when sharing is detected to encourage legitimate use
- Balance enforcement with experience to avoid disrupting legitimate multi-device usage
- Maintain detailed audit logs for compliance reporting and enforcement actions
Where to configure​
Use these guides to implement account sharing detection:
Compliance note​
Account sharing detection supports compliance with software licensing requirements, subscription terms, and regulatory frameworks requiring user identity verification and access controls.
FAQ​
How does device fingerprinting work?
Device fingerprinting analyzes hardware characteristics, browser configurations, and system properties to create unique device identifiers that persist across network changes.
What constitutes suspicious sharing behavior?
Indicators include simultaneous logins from different devices, impossible travel patterns, significant behavioral differences, and concurrent sessions in distant locations.
Can legitimate multi-device usage be distinguished from sharing?
Yes. The system learns normal usage patterns and can distinguish between legitimate multi-device access and unauthorized credential sharing.
What enforcement actions are available?
Options include session limits, automatic logouts, re-authentication requirements, account restrictions, and complete access blocking based on policy configuration.
How is sharing evidence documented for compliance?
Detailed reports include timestamps, device characteristics, locations, and behavioral indicators that provide clear evidence for license enforcement or compliance audits.