Cookies are small text files which get stored on the device by the websites that one visited. These are mainly used for storing website information, browsing details in any web browser and for authentication.
These are also known as browser cookies, web cookies, and HTTP cookies. Some websites make cookies compulsory to enable, while some do not. Their main function is to increase the efficiency of websites. They also lend a helping hand in providing you the content based on your previous searches such as geographical region.
There are different types of cookies for different actions.
Session cookies- As long as a person is active over the website, these are used; but once he leaves, it gets disappear.
Tracking cookie- It is a particular cookie that is spread, shared, and read among number of websites to collect information based on your preferences. These do not cause threats like worms, viruses, and worms though there are some privacy concerns.
Authentication cookies- These cookies keep on tracking whether an individual is active or not and under what name.
Cookies do capture the information; however, they cannot steal your private information. They just track things like pages and content you watched, how frequently you visited, and what things you searched.
In terms of security, cookies are very less secured. There are various security companies and threat removal tools which are available for free; used to detect the harmful cookies in the software.
Do you know how to manage cookies to protect your privacy?
There are 3 steps:
- Open the browsers that you these are the home for cookies. To name a few of them- Firefox, chrome, safari, etc.
- Look for the cookies as where are they stored in the browsers. Different web browsers store cookies at a different location. To cite an example:
- In chrome, these are located as Navigation bar>chrome menu>settings>advanced>privacy and security>content settings>cookies.
- In internet explorer, you can find them at Tools>internet options>general>browsing history>settings.
- Lastly, manage your cookies by enabling or disabling them after finding the right location in the web browsers.
Disabling all cookies from the browsers may cause some problems while navigating. But, if you are disabling third-party or tracking cookies then you can protect your privacy without any hindrance in your online shopping or other likely activities.
Your privacy should always be the top priority for you as otherwise, it may lead to various threats.
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