Cookies are an integral part of using the internet. We are often asked to accept cookies when visiting various websites. But what exactly are these cookies? How do they work? Are they safe? In this article, we will answer these questions and explain why cookies are so important.
Definition of cookies - What are they used for?
Cookies, also known as cookies, are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) by your web browser.
Cookies are generated by web servers when a user visits a website. They contain data that can be used to identify you or store your preferences.
Types of cookies
Cookies fall into several categories, depending on their function and storage time:
- Session cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when the browser is closed. They are used to store information during a single browsing session, e.g. to remember the contents of a shopping basket.
- Permanent cookies
Permanent cookies remain on the user's device for a limited period of time or until they are manually deleted. They are used to store the user's preferences, such as the site language or login data.
- Third-party cookies
Third-party cookies are placed by websites other than the one you are currently visiting. They are most commonly used for advertising and analytical purposes, e.g. by Google Analytics.
Functions of cookies
Cookies have many uses, the most important of which are:
- Personalisation
Cookies allow us to adapt the content of the website to your individual preferences, such as language choice, page layout or remembering your settings.
- Activity tracking
Cookies can track a user's activity on the website, allowing us to analyse their behaviour and tailor our offer to their needs. An example is the display of personalised advertising.
- Authentication
Cookies make it possible for the user to automatically log in to his or her account on the respective website, without having to re-enter the login data.
Are cookies safe?
Although cookies are generally safe, they can pose certain risks:
- Invasion of privacy
Cookies can store personal data and track user activity, which can lead to privacy violations, especially in the case of third-party cookies.
- Cyber attacks
Cookies can be used by cybercriminals for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, which involve injecting malicious code into websites.
- Cookie management
Each user has control over the cookies on their device. Here are some ways to manage cookies:
- Browser settings
Most web browsers allow cookies to be managed through settings. The user can block them, delete them or set which cookies are to be accepted.
- Privacy management tools
There are special tools and browser extensions to help manage cookies, such as Ghostery or Privacy Badger.
Why do you need to clear cookies? Key reasons and benefits for the domain
Cookies, while useful, can sometimes cause problems, making it a good habit to regularly clear them from your browser. In this article, we'll look at why it's worth clearing cookies, the benefits of doing so and how to do it in practice.
Reasons to clear cookies
1. Improving browser performance
A web browser accumulates a large number of cookies over time, which can affect its performance. Excessive cookies can slow down the loading of web pages and increase memory consumption. Regularly clearing cookies helps to keep your browser running smoothly.
2. Privacy protection
Cookies can store personal data and information about your online activities. Regular deletion of cookies can prevent tracking by third parties, thus protecting your privacy.
3. Preventing login problems
Old or corrupted cookies can cause problems logging into accounts on various websites. Deleting cookies can resolve these problems, allowing you to log in correctly again.
4 Data update
Websites frequently update their content and settings. Cookies may store old information, which can lead to outdated data being displayed. Deleting cookies allows you to refresh this information and get the latest versions of the websites.
5. increase security
Cookies can be the target of cyber-attacks, such as the theft of session data. Regularly clearing cookies reduces the risk of them being used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to user accounts.
How do I clear my browser cookies?
Clearing cookies is a simple process that can be done in any web browser. Here's how to do it in the most popular browsers:
Google Chrome
- Click the three dots icon in the top right corner of the browser.
- Select "Settings".
- Scroll down and click on 'Privacy and security'.
- Click "Clear browsing data".
- Select "Cookies and other site data" and click "Clear data".
Mozilla Firefox
- Click the three-line icon in the top right corner of the browser.
- Select "Settings".
- Click on "Privacy and security".
- Scroll down to the "Cookies and page data" section.
- Click "Clear data" and tick the "Cookies" option before clicking "Clear".
Microsoft Edge
- Click the three dots icon in the top right corner of the browser.
- Select "Settings".
- Click on "Privacy, search and services".
- In the "Clear browsing data" section, click "Select what you want to clear".
- Check the option "Cookies and other site data" and click "Clear now".
Safari (for macOS)
- Click "Safari" in the top menu and select "Preferences".
- Go to the "Privacy" tab.
- Click on "Manage site data".
- Select "Delete all" or select individual cookies to delete.
Cookies - An integral part of the digital world
Cookies are an integral part of the internet, enabling personalisation, activity tracking and user authentication. Now that you have a fuller understanding of cookies, will you make more informed decisions about their acceptance? We hope this article has helped to dispel doubts and increase your awareness of this aspect of the digital world.
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