Surely at some point while browsing the Internet you have come across an ad that asked you to accept "Cookies" from a specific website, but do you know what this means?
Cookies are computer files sent by the websites that are stored in our browser and that get data about us. These files collect information about the visitor to a website and use it mainly for internet advertising, for example, to provide personalized ads. In other words, cookies have the function of "telling" brands and companies how we behave on the network.
Who is the owner of the Cookies?
These files can be generated through the website you are visiting and in order to personalize the service it offers you or the way it displays your data, to control site traffic, identify the login of its user, store content or allow the use of security elements, while others are generated by third-party web pages (generally advertisers). Although, in reality, according to a report from the European Union, about 70% of the cookies that you will find while browsing the internet are from companies that track information to offer personalized advertising.
What kind of information do they collect?
Cookies can collect different types of information from each user, such as:
- Email addresses and passwords
- Our phone number and address
- IP adress
- Your computer's operating system
- Browser used
- Previously visited pages
What types of cookies are there?
1. Session Cookie: It is only active while the user is browsing the website. When it comes out, the information is deleted.
2. Persistent or Permanent Cookie: These are the Cookies that remain saved even after leaving the website. The validity time will be that which the programmer believes is necessary. The visitor will be able to delete them at any time they wish, by entering their browser settings.
3. Third-Party Cookies: These are third-party cookies, they are used for advertising purposes.
4. Supercookie: It is a tracking Cookie that allows knowing all the movements of the user on the web and is not stored on the computer. In other words, it cannot be blocked or excluded. There are already some laws to prevent its operation, mainly because users did not agree with this improper data capture.
5. Zombie Cookie: It is a type of Cookie that is activated after being deleted.
6. Secure Cookie: To ensure security, it only accepts HTTPS connections.
7. Same-Site Cookie: Makes servers only accept requests from the same website. This also serves for computer security, protecting it from forced requests.
Should I be afraid of Cookies?
No, in reality these files do not generate risks as a user, however, you should always be careful when using shared computers or those that are in public places (such as libraries or an internet cafe). In this case it is always recommended that you use incognito mode or delete cookies after using the computer.
