Cookies are little text files installed on a user's computer (or smartphone) and are widely used to gather personal information. Most website owners store cookies on their users' computers' browsers or hard drives. Cookies can collect information about how a website is used or allow the website to recognize the user as an existing client when they return to the website later. This download contains no viruses or malware. The law protects website visitors by allowing them to opt-out of using cookies in their web browsers.
Types of Cookies
Cookies are used for more than just tracking. Because many internet users are concerned that cookies may monitor their data, there are several other reasons for them to remain active. While data collecting is one of the most important reasons, there are several others, such as website functioning and performance.
Cookies improve the speed, convenience, and personalization of a user's web experience. For example, the first time you visit a website, you can choose a language to view it in. When you return to the website, your preferences will be remembered.
First - party Cookies
First - party cookies are set by the website (i.e., domain) the user is visiting (i.e., the URL displayed in the browser's address bar). These cookies allow website owners to gather analytics data, remember language preferences and do other important services that enhance the user experience.
Third - party Cookies
Third - party cookies are put by third parties to gather specific information from site users to conduct research into, for example, behavior, demography, or purchasing patterns. Advertisers often employ them to guarantee that their products and services are advertised to the appropriate target demographic.
Permanent Cookies
Permanent cookies continue to function when the web browser is closed. For instance, they can remember login information and passwords so that online users do not have to input them each time they visit a site. Permanent cookies must be erased after 12 months, according to the legislation.
Temporary Cookies
Temporary cookies, often known as 'session cookies,' assist websites in recognizing users and the information they supply when navigating a page. Temporary cookies only save information about a user's activity during their visit to the website. The cookies are removed when the web browser is closed. These are frequently used on retail or E-commerce websites.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies are required for websites to offer basic operations or access certain features. Such capabilities include logging in, adding products to your basket at an online store, and making online purchases.
It is critical to understand that strictly essential cookies do not require user consent at all - most cookie rules, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), prohibit strictly necessary cookies from requiring user consent before completing their functions.
Functional Cookies
Functional cookies are generally used to improve a website's performance because some functionalities may not be available without them. Functional cookies are not required for a website to function, but they allow users' preferences and settings to be remembered.
Preserving such preferences and parameters as user location, for example, aids in presenting customized news headlines and weather forecasts. However, the user must provide permission for this to occur.
Flash Cookies
Flash cookies, often known as 'super cookies,' operate independently of web browsers. They are intended to be permanently saved on the computer of the user. These cookies stay on a user's device even after they have removed all cookies from their web browser.
Zombie Cookies
Zombie cookies are a form of flash cookie that is produced automatically after a user deletes them. This makes them tough to detect and manage. They are frequently employed to prevent players from cheating in online games, but they have also been used to put dangerous software onto a user's device.
Secure Cookies
Only HTTPS websites may set secure cookies, that is, cookies that include encrypted data. Secure cookies are typically used on e-commerce website checkout or payment pages to promote safer transactions. Similarly, for security reasons, online banking websites must utilize secure cookies.
Can cookies be deleted or blocked?
The majority of cookies may be deleted or deactivated. To remove cookies, locate the folder or file in which they are located on your device and delete them. When you exit your web browser, session cookies are immediately removed.
You may also disable cookies on a website. This may be accomplished by modifying your browser settings.
You may also use specialized software to protect yourself against harmful cookies. These programs may be customized to adjust the content of the cookies you want to hold or keep on your device.
