Browser Security News

Cookies have long been a part of the online experience because they provide that much needed connection between the web site and the user that disappears when the browser is closed. Without the existence of cookies, the Internet would be a lot less user friendly. This is because the cookie holds information that lets the cookie owner know who you are and more.

For example, the cookie could hold authentication data that can be used to automatically log you into a website, or settings that the web application reads that help it create a customized website with visual aspects you have predefined. While this is great, cookies have long had a bad name because they can be abused and misused by online marketing agencies to track your surfing habits. For example, doubleclick.net will place a cookie on your computer when you visit Slashdot.org, a very popular site for computer geeks. InformIT: Security Reference Guide > Tracking with Flash “Cookies”