The internet world can be a little complicated, but developers work as hard as they can to make each experience easier than the last. In the pursuit of happiness, they created a tool designed to fill the proverbial jars of information: cookies! Cookies have lots of uses, but it can be hard to understand what they are. Let’s take a walk through!
What are Cookies?
Cookies are pieces of data that are sent between your computer and internet network. This data is used to distinguish you from other users based on your activity on the website. Essentially, internet cookies allow your server to track your activity and curate information specifically for you.
What Do They Do?
When used correctly, internet cookies act as a way to save your activity and streamline any processes upon your return. In other words, the make it possible to pick up right where you left off when you close your browser. Aside from session management, cookies can be used to personalize all types of information on your feeds. This includes advertising and product recommendations.
Types of Cookies
There are a few different types of cookies depending on whether they’re first or third-party based. First-party cookies are created directly by the website and stored onto your browser and computer. From there, you see more personalized ads and content on the website itself. According to Ionos, third-party cookies are “created by a website with a domain name other than the one the user is currently visiting.” Typically, this is data collected by ad servers or other marketing tools for their own advertising purposes.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Typically, cookies cause no harm and are quite useful. First-party cookies are typically safe and are between you and the website only. However, the same can’t always be said about third-party cookies. While they don’t infect your computer with viruses, they can be hijacked by hackers during cyberattacks. In these instances, hackers can access your data usage, interests, and behaviors and use the information for their own benefit.
Allowing and/or Removing cookies
Most websites ask you if they can collect cookies right off the bat. Here, you can customize what type of data gets collected, and even have the option to prohibit all sorts of third-party trackers. You also have the option to clear or block your cookies through your browser. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox all have their methods, but there are plenty of tutorial videos that walk you through the process.
Regardless of whether you want cookies or not, you’ll always want unbelievably fast internet. That’s Socket! Socket offers different plans for our DSL and Fiber services, so there’s something for everyone. See if your address falls within one of our Fiberhoods or express your interest for service today!