Computer cookies: A definition + how cookies work in 2022 (2024)

What are computer cookies?

Computer cookies aresmall files used by web servers to save browsing information, allowing websites to remember your device, browser preferences, and associated online activity.

• Persistent cookies: Persistentcookies can save data for an extended period of time. These are the cookiesthat allow websites to store username and password information for users.
  
• Third-partycookies: Third-party cookiesseek out data regarding your online activity to send back to website ownerslooking to improve advertisem*nts.
• Session cookies: Sessioncookies delete immediately after closing your browser. These are best known forallowing you to keep items in a shopping cart even after clicking on adifferent page.

As you can see, cookies can benefit both theinternet user and the website, but are they safe for our devices?

Are cookies safe?

Under normalcirc*mstances, cookies cannot transfer viruses ormalwareto your computer. Because the data in a cookie doesn’t change when it travelsback and forth, it has no way to affect how your computer runs.

However, some viruses and malware may bedisguised as cookies. For instance, “supercookies'' can be a potential securityconcern, and many browsers offer a way to block them. A “zombie cookie” is acookie that recreates itself after being deleted, making them tough to manage.Third-party tracking cookies can also cause security andprivacyconcerns, sincethey make it easier for parties you can’t identify to watch where you’re goingand what you’re doing online.

For this reason, you might want to knowhow to delete computer cookies from your browser.

How toenable or delete computer cookies

You might be surprisedto learn that finding and managing cookies on computers can be as easy as1-2-3:

1. Open your browser,be it Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
2. Navigate to where cookies are stored. Each browser manages cookies in a differentlocation. For example, in Chrome, choose “Preferences” from the Chrome menu inthe navigation bar, which will display your settings. Then select the “Privacyand Security” option. From there, you'll see options to manage cookies, cache,and other kinds of browser data.
3. Manage your cookies. Every browser gives you a range of optionsfor enabling or deleting cookies. In Chrome, find where cookies are stored asoutlined above, then select “Clear browser data” to delete cookies or “Cookiesand other site data” if you want more management options.

As you can see, most browsers have becomeincreasingly open to letting us take control of our data and who has access toit.

Banning all browser cookies could makesome websites difficult to navigate. However,controlling or limiting third-party and tracking cookies can help improve yourprivacy andpersonalcybersecuritywhile still making it possible to shoponline and carry out similar activities.

Computer cookies FAQs

There’s nothing wrong with having a few morequestions about computer cookies. In fact, we probably have your answers.

What are the pros ofcookies?

Some of the benefits that come along withcomputer cookies include:

• Enabled auto-fill features when logging intoaccounts and completing forms
• Customized ads based on your browsingactivity
• Streamlined checkout processes when onlineshopping

What’s a supercookie?

Supercookies are similar to browser cookies.However, they are significantly harder to track, detect, and remove fromdevices.

What happens if youdon’t accept cookies?

If you don’t accept cookies, a website maynot be able to track your web activity and/or save login credentials used toaccess your account.

Should I acceptcookies?

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you acceptcookies. It’s generally suggested to do so, as it can give you an improved userexperience on a website.

Should I deletecookies?

Since not all sites are the same, it depends.If you accept cookies from a site you later learn to be untrustworthy, youshould definitely take time to delete them. However, secure sites use cookiesto improve your user experience from top to bottom, making it OK to leave themunbothered.

How often should youclear cookies?

People typically clear out computer cookiesonce a month.

Can cookies stealpasswords?

Cookies aren't able to directly stealpasswords. They simply save a scrambled version on your device that only thewebsite can decode.

What information docookies collect?

Cookies typically store data related to auser’s:

• Browsing activity
• Purchase history
• Username and password credentials

3: Should I blockcookies?

If you believe you’re on anunsecurewebsite, it may be a good idea to blockcookies.

If you mentioned “cookies” three decades ago,people would probably expect to see a plate of chocolate chip treats appear.Today, however, you’ll find that the evolution of our digital age has changedexpectations.

Computer cookies — also known as HTTPcookies, internet cookies, or browser cookies — are simply small packetsof data that a computer receives from a web server and sends back withoutalterations. And though computer cookies can make online browsing and shoppingeasier, they’re also sometimes the tools used against you during acyberattack.

Use this as your go-to guide to explore theworld of computer cookies. We’ve overviewed the purpose of cookies, commontypes of cookies, how computer cookies work, and how to enable anddelete cookieson your devices.

So, continue for more insight on how to get abetter handle on computer cookies anddata security.

How do cookies work?

The intended purpose of computer cookies isto help the website keep track of your visits and activity. This isn’t always a bad thing.For example, many online retailers use cookies to keep track of the items in auser’s shopping cart as they explore the site. Without cookies, your shoppingcart would reset to zero every time you clicked a new link on the site. Thatwould make it difficult to buy anything online!

A website might also use cookies to keep arecord of your most recent visit or to record your logincredentials. Many people find this useful sothat they can storepasswordson frequently used sites, orsimply so they know what they have visited or downloaded in the past.

Types of computer cookies

Just like the delicious treats, there’s morethan one type of cookie to have on your radar. Let's look at the differenttypes of cookies you can expect to encounter online:

See Also

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Clare Stouffer, a Gen employee, is a writer and editor for the company’s blogs. She covers various topics in cybersecurity.

Editorial note:Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.