Cookies are text files containing small chunks of data. These can be used to identify a users machine, save log in credentials
and improve a users browsing experience.
First Party & Third Party Cookies
There are two types of cookies online, first party cookies are created by the site being used. These are viewed as safe,
assuming that the site is reputable and not comprimised. Third party cookies are frowned upon, as they're often linked to ads.
Good Cookie or Bad Cookie?
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Cookies are a commonly talked about topic due to their use case on modern sites. To simplify, cookies store data and attach a unique ID to the user
allowing the site to know what information is to be served. This is great when logging into accounts, as your credentials will appear for you, or when
entering card details to pay for an item.
Magic cookies is an old term, referring to packets of information that are sent and received without changes. This would allow users machines to access
internal networks. This has been replaced by a modern standard called HTTP cookies. These cookies have become increasingly capable, with bad actors being able
to spy on users online activity and steal personal information.
HTTP cookies will allow browsers to track users, provide a personalised experience and safe user session information. Everytime a user visits a new site, a
new cookie is formed. The cookie is identified and read by name value pairs, informing the cookie what information is to be sent and what data is due to be recalled.
Servers will send cookies when the web browser requests a save, this is done to identify the user for the next session.
As HTTP cookies have evolved, businesses have used this to track users across the web, to identify behaviours and interests. Tracking provides the products viewed
alongside other information such as time, date, price, etc. The business can then use this information to suggest other items or content to keep the user engaged for
longer durations. This overtime allows the site to build a profile on the user.
This leads on to why cookies are dangerous, bad actors can hijack cookies, which gives them access to users browsing sessions and credentials. First party cookies
are generally less harmful, but third party cookies must be paid attention to. Websites will generate third party cookies which grant advertisers and analytics companies
track an individuals browsing history across the web and any site that contains their ads. Zombie cookies are used by web analytic businesses to track unique users browsing
histories, this type of cookie will recur on a users machine, even after deletion.
Thanks to the GDPR, all sites must ask for permission before collecting cookies and user data. Cookies must remain an optional experience, as it should be the users decision
on what information they wish to release. Allowing cookies will often provide a better browsing experience, but this comes at the cost of sites tracking a user and with potential
data leaks, this can lead to a users private information being exposed. Removing cookies will help prevent the risk of privacy breaches and will reset a users browser tracking and
personalisaton. For users who wish for a safer browsing experience, it is best to pick a privacy focused web browser and pay attention to every site you visit. Declining cookies is the best way to
prevent tracking and sometimes will lead to a user being rejected access. Users can also consider using a VPN for enhanced security online, as this will mask their address and help stay
anonymous online.
Want more information? Scroll down to the services section to read more about the most popular web browsers, test yourself and more!
How To Remove Cookies
In order to delete cookies, a user must locate the settings page on their browser and locate the privacy and security tab. Within this, the user will have the option to remove
browsing data, cookies and other site data and a myriad of other options. It is reccomended to do this often, to prevent sites from tracking a user.
System Cleaner
For users who wish to use an app to manage their cookies, applications like CCleaner can be utilised. This will clear a users machine of cookies, system data and various other
information that is safe to remove. Users can choose what information they wish to retain or remove.