These days, we are most often than not asked to accept cookies when we visit a website. But the question is, are they always safe to accept? More than that, does every person who accept cookies even know what they are and what they are for?
Here are the answers to those questions as well as other things you need to know about internet cookies:
Internet Cookies: What are They?
Internet cookies are actually otherwise known as HTTP cookies. However, before we get to that, let us first define what cookies are in general. And no, we do not mean cookies that are sweet treats.
According to Kaspersky, ccokies are "text files with small pieces of data - like a username and password - that are used to identify your computer as you use a computer network."
There are two main types of cookies: magic cookies and HTTP cookies. Magic cookies refers to data that are sent and received with no changes beind made to them. A common example of magic cookies, per Kaspersky, is a login to a computer database system.
HTTP cookies or internet cookies, on the other hand, are pretty much magic cookies but "are built specifically for Internet web browsers to track, personalize, and save information about each user's session." Kaspersky notes that the term "session" is just used to refer to the amount of time spent on a particular website.
Internet cookies are pretty much your identification when you visit a website. It should be noted that a website only sends cookies when it wants you, or your web browser in particular, to store them.
When is It NOT Safe to Accept Cookies?
Now that we have discussed what cookies are, here comes the next question: Do you always have to accept HTTP cookies where they are offered to you? According to Norton, the answer is no.
Despite that, a TechRadar report, citing research by NordVPN, says that half of American users click "accept all cookies" when prompted.
Norton points out that there are a few downsides to not accepting internet cookies. One of the downsides is that you might not be able to access some websites at all. Another downside is that you may not get to enjoy the full experience the website has to offer you.
Despite the downsides, there are actually some instances wherein it will be best for you not to accept internet cookies. Norton lists down five instances when you should not store or even accept cookies:
- Cookies from unencrypted websites
- Third-party cookies - Norton points out that the website may sell your information if you do not decline this.
- When your computer has a slow speed - Cookies take up space. Therefore, the more you accept, the more space they occupy.
- Flagged cookies - It is best to have an antivirus software installed that is capable of flagging potentially dangerous cookies
- When you are sharing private data such as banking information with a website
When in doubt, you always have the option to remove cookies from your browser.
