Website cookies are small files that store information about your online activity — from remembering login details to tracking your browsing behavior for targeted ads. While cookies can improve user experience, they also raise important questions about privacy, data collection, and digital security. In this article, we’ll explain what cookies do, the different types you may encounter, and whether or not you should be concerned — especially if you manage a business website or handle user data.
Fresh-baked cookies are yummy, but you may not have the same positive associations with cookies on your computer. Here’s what you need to know about cookies and what they mean for your internet browsing. Below we answer the question: what are cookies on websites?
Cookies have been around for a long time, but new laws now require websites to ask for your permission to use them. You have likely noticed more sites informing you that “this website uses cookies,” and they’ll ask you to click to accept the use of cookies. But what exactly are you agreeing to?
A website cookie is a small piece of text the website you are visiting stores on your computer.
Cookies are equivalent to your ticket to get onto the website. Website owners track your individualized code to gather information.
Cookies tell the website that the user has been to the site before. The website can recall personal login information and other preferences. A shopping site will remember your cart and let you continue shopping or suggest other goods you might like.
What Do Website Cookies Do?
So, why are sites asking for permission to store their cookies on your computer? Users are more concerned now about the digital footprint they are leaving on the Web: they want to protect their Web history.
Let’s be clear. When you accept a cookie, you are not allowing access to your computer or any of your personal data, unless you have knowingly provided it, as you do when online shopping, that is.
Also, it’s not possible to execute code from a cookie. That means a bad actor can’t use a cookie to deliver a virus or malware.
Overall, cookies on their own are safe. Agreeing to first-party cookies from the website simplifies session management, personalization, and tracking.
The danger comes from third-party cookies generated by advertisers or analytics companies. Say, for instance, you surf to a webpage that has 10 ads on it. You don’t even have to click on any of those ads to generate 10 cookies. These cookies track your browsing history across the Web on any site carrying their ads. That’s why people are becoming more wary of the privacy implications.
Website Cookies and Your Online Privacy
Users can make their own cookie choices. Those who allow cookies will enjoy a more streamlined Web surfing experience. Those who don't want cookies tracking their browsing history will opt out. Without cookies these users have to re-enter their data every time they visit a website.
Often you can control your cookies in your browser settings. In Google Chrome, for example, you would select “Settings” from the drop down menu in the upper-right corner, then under “Privacy and security” select “Cookies and other site data”. In the Cookies section you might choose to enable “Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome.
If you’re really annoyed by the pop-ups asking you about cookie use, you can install a browser add-on, too.
The “Incognito” mode on your browser can be used to save cookies for the current session, but when you close the browser the cookies will be deleted.
We hope this answered your question, "what are cookies on websites"? We can help you minimize the extent to which you are being tracked on the internet.
🍪 Unsure How Cookies Affect Your Business or Privacy?
From website tracking to third-party data sharing, cookies play a big role in online privacy. At Landon Technologies, we help individuals and small businesses understand, manage, and secure their digital environments through cybersecurity services and IT consulting.
- Website cookie policy audits
- Security and compliance consulting
- Data protection strategies for businesses
- Remote support for browser privacy and security settings
🔐 Whether you're a business owner in Brunswick, GA or an individual looking to protect your browsing data, we’re here to help.
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