Cookies

1. What are cookies? 

A cookie is a small file formed of letters and numbers that will be stored on your computer, your mobile device, or other equipment of a user that is used to access the Internet. The cookie is installed by the request sent from the server of a web page to the browser (for example: Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely "passive" (does not contain software programs, viruses or spyware and does not access information from the user's hardware) .

2. What are cookies used for?

These files make it possible to know the user's device and present its contents in an appropriate manner adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies provide the user with a pleasant experience while navigating the Internet.

 

3. What cookies do we use? 

We use two types of cookies - per user session and fixed cookies. The latter are temporary files that remain on the user's device until the end of his user session or until the application (web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user's device for the period set by cookies or until manually deleted by the user.

4. Do cookies contain personal information? 

By themselves, cookies do not require personally identifiable information to be used and most often do not identify the identity of Internet users. The personal data collected through the use of cookies can only be collected to facilitate user use. This data is encrypted in a way that prevents unauthorized persons from accessing it.

5. Deleting cookies 

In general, a web page access application allows cookies to be stored by default. These settings can be changed so that automatic cookie management is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed every time cookies are sent to his or her terminal. Detailed information about the capabilities and ways of managing cookies can be found in the settings of the application (on the web browser). Restricting the use of cookies may affect some features of the website.

 

6. Why are cookies important to the Internet? 

Cookies are central to the effective functioning of the Internet, helping to create a particular model of preferences and interests for each user. Disagreeing with or disabling cookies may make some sites unusable. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online ads, but that they will no longer appear in your account for favorites and interesting ones collected through browsing behavior. Examples of important cookie roles (which do not require account authentication):

1. Content and services tailored to the user's preferences - product and service categories. 

2. Offers tailored to the user's preferences - remembering passwords. 

3. Save filters for protection against children about internet content (family mode option, safe search function)

4. Restricting the frequency of ad use - Restricting the advertising of an ad to a particular user of the site. 

5. Providing ads that would interest the user. Measurement, optimization, and analytics features - How to confirm a given level of website traffic, what type of content is displayed, and how a user reaches a website (ex: search engines, direct, other websites, etc.). 

6. Websites develop these analyzes and use them to improve the site for the benefit of the users.

7. Security and confidentiality 

Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text format. They are not made up of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed or run on their own. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated or copied to other networks to start or to be copied again. Because they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.

Cookies can still be used for negative purposes. Because they store preference information, as well as user browsing history, on a particular site as well as on most other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware software are not aware of this fact and are constantly flagging cookies to be removed during the removal / scan / anti-virus / anti-spyware procedures.

Usually browsers have built-in privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity and automatic deletion after a user visits a site. Other security aspects of cookies.

Because data protection is of the utmost importance and is a right for every Internet user, it is recommended that you know about any problems cookies may create. They send constant and bidirectional information between the browser and the website, and if a hacker or other unauthorized person intervenes while sending the data, then the information containing cookies can be intercepted. In rare cases, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (for example: wireless password-protected network).

Another type of cookie-based attack requires incorrect settings for cookies on the server. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, hackers can use this vulnerability to deceive browsers when sending information through unsecured channels. Hackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to particular websites. It is very important to be careful when choosing the most appropriate protection for personal data. Tips for safe, responsible browsing based on cookies.

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, the latter are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user to access the most common and used sites, including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and more. Here are some tips to help you browse without the hassle of cookies.

1. Customize your browser settings for cookies to create the right level of cookie protection. 

2. If you are not concerned about the use of cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set longer expiration times to store your browsing history and access to personal information.

3. If you share access to your computer with someone, you may want to reset your browser settings to delete your personal browsing data every time you close your browser. This is the option to access websites that distribute cookies and to delete any kind of visit information when you close your browsing session. 

4. Install and maintain anti-spyware applications on an ongoing basis.

Many spyware detection and prevention applications include the detection of attacks on websites. This prevents the browser from accessing sites that could exploit a browser's vulnerability or download malware. 

Make sure your browser is always up-to-date.

Many cookie-based attacks occur when exploiting the weak points of old and outdated versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest websites - local and international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they carry, you can take the necessary security measures to surf the Internet with confidence.

Disabling or refusing cookies may make some sites unusable or difficult to visit and use. Also, opt-out of cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive / see online ads. All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are generally located in the "options" or the "Favorites" menu of your browser. You can also use the browser's "help" option for more details to find these settings.