Cookies

 

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, which is used to access the Internet. A cookie is installed through the request sent by the server of a given 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 have access to information from the user's hardware).

2. What are „cookies“ used for?
These files make it possible to recognize the user's device and present its content in an appropriate 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 - session and persistent. The latter are temporary files that remain on the user's device until the end of the user's session or until the application (web browser) is closed. Persistent 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?
Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and most often do not identify the identity of Internet users. Personal data collected when using cookies can only be collected to facilitate the use by the user. 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 methods of managing cookies can be found in the application's (web browser's) settings. Restricting the use of cookies may affect some functions  of the web page.

6. Why are “cookies“ important for the Internet?
Cookies are a central point for the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to draw up a certain model of the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some sites unusable.
Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertisements, but that they will no longer appear in your account for preferences and interests collected through browsing behavior.
Examples of important roles of cookies (which do not require authentication through an account):

Content and services adapted to the user's preferences – product and service categories.
Offers adapted to the user's preferences – remembering passwords.
Memorizing child protection filters for Internet content (family mode option, safe search function).
Limiting the frequency of use of advertisements – limiting the display of an advertisement for a specific user on the site.
Delivering advertisements that may be of interest to the user.
Measurement, optimization and analytics features – how to confirm a given level of traffic on the website, what type of content is displayed and how the user reaches a given website (e.g.: search engines, directly, other websites, etc.). Websites develop these analyses and their use in order to improve the site for the benefit of users.

7. Security and privacy
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use the form of plain text. They are not composed of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed or run independently. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated or copied to other networks to run or copy themselves again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.

Cookies can still be used for negative purposes. Since they store information about preferences, as well as the user's browsing history, both on a specific site and on most other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware software are unaware of this fact and permanently mark cookies for removal during of removal / scanning / anti-virus / anti-spyware procedures.

Usually browsers 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. They send information continuously and bidirectionally between the browser and the website, and if a hacker or other unauthorized person interferes during the data transfer, then the information containing 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 protected by a password).

Another type of cookie-based attack requires incorrect 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 over unsecured channels. Hackers can then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is very important to be careful when choosing the most appropriate privacy protection.
Tips for safe and responsible browsing based on cookies.

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, the latter are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user to access the most common and used sites, including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure carefree browsing, but with the help of cookies.

Customize your browser's cookie settings to create an appropriate level of protection against the use of cookies.

If you are not bothered by the use of cookies and are the only person using the computer, you can set longer expiration dates for storing browsing history and accessing personal data.
If you share access to your computer with someone, you can consider setting your browser to delete personal browsing data every time you close the browser. This is the option to access sites that distribute cookies and to delete any type of information about the visit when closing the browsing session.
Install and maintain anti-spyware applications.
Many of the applications for detecting and preventing spyware include the detection of attacks on sites. This way, the browser is prevented from accessing sites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download malware.
Make sure that your browser is always updated.
Many of the attacks based on cookies 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 - locally and internationally. With a clear understanding of how they work and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures to surf the Internet with confidence.
Disabling or refusing to accept 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 “preferences“ menu of your browser. To find these settings, you can also use the links below or use the “help“ option of your browser for more details.

Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
Cookie settings in Firefox
Cookie settings in Chrome
Cookie settings in Safari