1. What are cookies?
A cookie is a small file made up of letters and numbers that will be stored on your computer, mobile device or other equipment of a user that is used to access the Internet. The cookie is installed through the request sent by the server of a web page to the browser (for example: Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely "passive" (does not contain software programs, viruses or spyware and does not access the information from the user's hardware).
2. What are cookies used for?
These files make it possible to know the user's device and to present its content in a way adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies provide the user with a pleasant experience while browsing the Internet.
3. What cookies do we use?
We use two types of cookies – per user session and persistent. The latter are temporary files that remain on the user's device until the end of the user session or until the application (web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user's device for the period parameterized by the cookies or until they are manually deleted by the user.
4. Do cookies contain personal data?
By themselves, cookies do not require information of a personal nature in order to be used and most often do not identify the identity of Internet users. Personal data collected through the use of cookies may only be collected to facilitate the user's use. This data is encrypted in a way that prevents unauthorized persons from accessing it.
5. Deleting cookies
In general, an application for accessing web pages allows the storage of cookies by default. These settings can be changed so that the automatic management of cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed each time cookies are sent to his terminal. Detailed information on the possibilities and ways of managing cookies can be found in the application settings (on the web browser). Restricting the use of cookies may affect some functions of the web page.
6. Why are cookies important to the Internet?
Cookies are a central point for the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to produce a certain pattern of preferences and interests of each user. Disagreeing or disabling cookies may make some sites unusable.
Rejecting or deactivating cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertisements, but that these will no longer appear in your account for favorites and interests collected through browsing behavior.
Examples of important cookie roles (that do not require account authentication):
Content and services adapted to user preferences - categories of products and services.
Offers adapted to user preferences - remember passwords.
Saving child protection filters for Internet content (family mode option, safe search function).
Limitation of the frequency of use of advertisements - the limitation of the display of an advertisement for a certain user of the site.
Providing advertisements that would be of interest to the user.
The measurement, optimization and characteristics of analytics - how to confirm a given level of website traffic, what type of content is displayed and how the user reaches a website (eg: search engines, direct, other websites, etc.). The websites develop these analyzes and their use in order to improve the site for the benefit of the users.
7. Security and Confidentiality
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use the plain text format. They are not composed of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed, nor can they be executed independently. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated or copied to other networks to run or copy afresh. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.
Cookies can still be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about a user's preferences and browsing history, both on a particular site and on most other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware software are not aware of this fact and constantly mark cookies to be removed during removal / scanning / anti-virus / anti-spyware procedures.
Browsers usually have built-in privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a site.
Other security aspects related to cookies:
Since the protection of personal data is extremely important and represents the right of every Internet user, it is recommended to be aware of the possible problems that cookies can create. Through them, information is constantly and bi-directionally sent between the browser and the website, and in the event that a hacker or other unauthorized person intervenes during the sending of the data, then the information contained in cookies can be intercepted.
In rare cases, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (for example: a wireless network that is not password protected).
Another type of cookie-based attack requires wrong cookie settings on the server. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, hackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through the unsecured channels. Hackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most suitable privacy protection.
Tips for secure and responsible cookie-based browsing.
Thanks to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, the latter are almost unavoidable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user access to the most encountered and used sites, including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure worry-free browsing, but with the help of cookies.
Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include the detection of the attacks on the sites. This prevents the browser from accessing sites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download malware.
Make sure your browser is always up to date.
Many of the cookie-based attacks are implemented by exploiting the weak points of old and outdated versions of browsers.
Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and biggest websites - local and international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can surf the Internet with confidence.
Disabling or refusing to receive cookies may make some sites unusable or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive/see online advertisements.
All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are generally found in the "options" or "favorites" menu of your browser. To find these settings, you can also use the links below or use your browser's "help" option for more details.
Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
Cookie settings in Firefox
Cookie settings in Chrome
Cookie settings in Safari