Have you ever searched for a product online and, minutes later, found the same product on other pages? This is one of the many features offered by cookies.
Basically, a cookie is a simple text file stored by a computer’s browser. The purpose of a cookie is to store information about the visitor’s browsing habits and the website’s browsing habits. This data can be used when the visitor visits the same website again.
Until recently, cookies could go unnoticed; but after some debates over privacy policies, mainly in the European Union, they began to gain greater visibility.
Learn more about cookies, their origin, functions, and types . Excellent read!
What are Cookies?
Cookies were created by Lou Montulli, and the term originates from Magic Cookie, a data-sharing package used by Unix programmers. The first browser to accept cookies was Netscape, launched in 1994.
Cookies are set via HTTP headers and special database stored by the visitor’s browser. Upon first access, the web server sends the visitor what should be stored in the cookie .
From then on, each time the user enters the website, the cookie will be sent to the server, which in turn will deliver the web pages already adapted to better serve the user.
To better understand what cookies are, imagine you visited a website for the first time and chose to view a Spanish version. Thanks to cookies, the website will automatically load in Spanish on subsequent visits, without any need for further configuration.
These also store some personal data and other information, such as an unfinished purchase. Cookies are what keep you logged in to your email account and other websites that require you to log in.
Another function of cookies is to record preferences . This way, as we explained at the beginning of this article, you can start viewing the same product on different websites.
This type of information, known as remarketing, is one of the most disputed tools for creating ads and has been causing much discussion about privacy policies .
It’s important to remember that if the visitor is browsing with cookies disabled, none of the above will happen.
Why has the function of cookies been so questioned?
In reality, although cookies offer convenience and speed, they are also considered somewhat invasive. For this reason, European Union authorities decided to prohibit the use of cookies without prior user authorization.
Since then, websites are required to inform users that cookies store information about their browsing. This new scenario gave visitors the power to decide whether or not to accept the use of cookies on the website they are visiting.
Here, it’s important to note that cookies don’t steal any of your information . They simply store what you have accessed while how financial companies can build an online lead generation strategy browsing the website.
In addition, cookies have a shelf life; they remain available for a few hours or even years, depending on the website. In most cases, their long-term storage poses no risk to the user, primarily in relation to their propagation to other environments.
What types of cookies exist?
There are 5 main types of cookies . These are:
1 – Session Cookie
It’s active while the user browses the website. When the user leaves, the information is deleted.
2 – Persistent or Permanent Cookie
These are cookies that remain stored even after leaving the website. They will remain valid for as long as the developer deems necessary . Remember that these cookies can be deleted manually at any time by the visitor in their browser settings.
3 – Third-Party Cookies
They are accessed by third-party domains, such as ad networks.
4 – Supercookie
This is a tracking cookie that allows us to track all of a user’s movements on the website. Unlike other types, it is not stored on the computer. This means it cannot be blocked or deleted.
There are already some laws in place to prevent this from happening , 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, known as Evercookie.
In addition to these main types, there are some characteristics that can be defined at the time of creation, such as:
- Secure Cookie : To ensure security , only accepts HTTPS type connections;
- Http-only-cookie: Requires access to be made through an HTTP connection, preventing the file from being altered by malicious JavaScript ;
- Same-Site Cookie : This cookie causes servers to only accept requests from the same website. This also helps with computer security , protecting against forced requests.
Tips for using Cookies correctly
As an Internet user, you should be careful when using shared computers, such as those available in laboratories, universities, or public places.
If you have no other option, it’s fax list important to use private browsing mode or disable cookies after using your computer.
If you’re a developer, be careful about the security measures used in your cookie. Without protection or encryption, you allow it to be modified through local scripts, putting the security of the website and server at risk.
Does this make how cookies work a little clearer? If you’d like to learn more about these topics, don’t forget to sign up for the HostGator newsletter, where you’ll receive the best content on technology and online presence.