Have you noticed that nearly every website you visit pops up with a notification asking if you accept cookies? But what exactly are internet cookies, and what do they do? Are they safe to accept? Or are they snooping on your online activity?
We’re breaking it all down in this guide to help you better understand cookies, how they work, and the different types you might encounter while browsing.
Cookies, in the digital sense and not the delicious Oreo’s sense, are small text files created by websites and stored on your browser. Think of them as ID cards that websites use to recognize you and track certain aspects of your activity. These files allow websites to remember things like your login information, language preference, or what items you’ve added to your shopping cart.
Without cookies, every time you visit a website, you’d essentially be a stranger starting from scratch.
Cookies serve various purposes, many of which are designed to improve users' browsing experience. Here’s what they can do:
Remember your preferences: Ever noticed how an e-commerce site remembers your preferred currency or display settings? You can thank cookies for that.
Keep you logged in: Whether it’s your email account or your favorite social media platform, cookies save you the hassle of logging in every single time.
Help websites gather analytics: Website owners use cookies to understand how users interact with their site. For example, cookies can tell them which pages are popular or how long users stay on the website.
Tailor ads to you: Ever wondered why an online store you visited just once starts showing you ads everywhere? Cookies allow advertisers to target you with relevant ads based on your browsing habits.
While cookies can make your online life more convenient, they’re not without risks, which leads us to our next point.
Not all cookies are created equally, and while many are harmless, some can be used for invasive tracking or even malicious purposes. Here’s what you need to know about their safety:
First-party cookies (safe in most cases): These come directly from the website you’re visiting. They’re typically used to enhance the website’s functionality, like keeping you logged in or remembering your preferences.
Third-party cookies (more concerning): These are created by a domain other than the site you’re visiting. They’re often used by advertisers to track your behavior across multiple websites—as such, they tend to raise privacy concerns.
If a website asks for consent to cookies, it’s usually a good sign that they’re adhering to legal standards like GDPR or CCPA, which aim to protect your data privacy. Here’s what we recommend:
Accept cookies from trusted sites to enjoy their full functionality (e.g., your bank or favorite e-commerce platform).
Be cautious with third-party cookies, especially on unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
Always review a site’s cookie policy if you’re unsure what data they’re collecting.
Cookies come in various types, and understanding them will help you make informed decisions when browsing online.
1. Session Cookies
These are temporary cookies that are deleted as soon as you close your browser.
They’re often used to track your progress on a website during a single visit (like navigating an online shopping cart).
2. Persistent Cookies
These remain on your device even after you close your browser, lasting until they expire or you manually delete them.
Commonly used to save preferences or keep you logged into your accounts.
3. First-Party Cookies
Set directly by the website you’re visiting.
Typically considered safe and used to improve your on-site experience.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Set by external domains (e.g., advertisers).
Used for tracking across different websites, often raising privacy concerns.
5. Secure Cookies
Only transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS).
These help protect sensitive information, like login credentials.
Want to ensure your browsing experience stays both convenient and secure? Here are some proactive steps you can take to manage cookies effectively:
Adjust your browser settings
Use private browsing
Clear your cookies regularly
Install privacy-focused tools
Tools like ad blockers or privacy extensions can help block third-party trackers and safeguard your browsing.
Cookies play a crucial role in enhancing your online experience, from keeping you logged in to personalizing your favorite websites. However, they also come with privacy concerns, especially when it comes to third-party tracking.
By understanding what cookies are, the different types, and how to manage them, you can enjoy the benefits they provide while minimizing potential risks.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember that you have control over your online privacy.
Secure endpoints, email, and employees with the power of our 24/7 SOC. Try Huntress for free and deploy in minutes to start fighting threats.
