Cookies on the Site
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  1. What are "cookies"?

A cookie is a small file, made up of letters and numbers, that will be stored on your computer, mobile device, or other equipment used to access the internet. The cookie is installed via a request sent by the server of a web page to your browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome), and it is completely "passive" (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and does not have access to information on the user's hardware).

  1. What are cookies used for?

These files make it possible to recognize the user's device and present its content in an appropriate way, tailored to the user's preferences. Cookies provide a pleasant browsing experience for the user.

  1. What types of cookies do we use?

We use two types of cookies – session cookies and fixed cookies. The former are temporary files that remain on the user's device until the end of the user session or until the application (web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user's device for the period specified by the cookies or until manually deleted by the user.

  1. Do cookies contain personal data?

By themselves, cookies do not require personal information to be used and most often do not identify the internet users' identity. Personal data collected through the use of cookies can only be gathered to facilitate the user's use of the website. These data are encrypted in a way that prevents unauthorized persons from accessing them.

  1. Deleting cookies

Typically, an application used to access web pages allows cookies to be saved by default. These settings can be changed so that the automatic management of cookies is blocked by the web browser, or the user is informed every time cookies are sent to their terminal. Detailed information about the options and methods for managing cookies can be found in the settings of the application (web browser). Restricting the use of cookies may affect some functions of the web page.

  1. Why are cookies important for the internet?

Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the internet, helping to create a specific model of preferences and interests for each user. Refusing or disabling cookies can make some websites unusable.

Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising, but that these ads will no longer be tailored to your preferences and interests, as recorded through your browsing behavior.

Examples of important roles of cookies (which do not require user authentication):

  • Content and services tailored to user preferences – categories of products and services.
  • Offers adapted to user preferences – remembering passwords.
  • Retaining filters for protection against child-accessible content on the internet (family mode option, safe search function).
  • Limiting the frequency of ad usage – limiting the number of times an ad is shown to a specific user on the site.
  • Providing ads that may interest the user.
  • Measurement, optimization, and analytics features – such as confirming a certain level of traffic on the website, what type of content is displayed, and how the user reaches a website (e.g., search engines, directly, other websites, etc.). Websites develop these analyses and their use to improve the site for the benefit of users.
  1. Security and confidentiality

Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not composed of code segments, so they cannot be executed or run independently. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated or copied to other networks to be re-run or replicated. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.

However, cookies can be used for negative purposes. Since they store information about user preferences and browsing history, both on a specific site and across multiple sites, cookies can be used as a form of spyware. Many anti-spyware programs are aware of this and regularly flag cookies to be removed during deletion/scanning/anti-virus/anti-spyware procedures.

Browsers generally have built-in privacy settings that provide various levels of cookie acceptance, validity periods, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a site.

Other security aspects related to cookies:

Because the protection of personal data is essential and represents the right of every internet user, it is recommended to be aware of the potential problems that cookies can create. Through them, information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website, and if a hacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the transmission of data, the information contained in cookies can be intercepted.

In rare cases, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g., an unsecured wireless network).

Another type of cookie-based attack involves incorrect cookie settings on the servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, hackers can exploit this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information via unsecured channels. Hackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is crucial to be careful when choosing the most appropriate methods of protecting personal data.

Other Security Aspects Related to Cookies

Since the protection of personal data is extremely important and represents the right of every internet user, it is recommended to be aware of the potential problems that cookies can create. They constantly transmit information between the browser and the website in both directions, and if a hacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the transmission of data, the information contained in cookies can be intercepted.

In rare cases, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g., an unsecured wireless network).

Another type of cookie-based attack involves incorrect cookie settings on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, hackers can exploit this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information via unsecured channels. Hackers then use this information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is crucial to be careful when choosing the most appropriate methods for protecting personal data.

Tips for Safe and Responsible Cookie-Based Browsing

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow user access to the most widely used and popular sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.

Here are some tips that can ensure worry-free browsing with the help of cookies:

  • Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to create an appropriate level of protection from the use of cookies.
  • If you are not bothered by cookies and are the only person using the computer, you can set longer expiration terms for storing your browsing history and access to personal data.
  • If you share access to your computer with someone, you might consider setting your browser to delete personal browsing data each time you close the browser. This is the option for accessing websites that distribute cookies and for deleting any information collected at the end of the browsing session.
  • Install and constantly update anti-spyware applications. Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of site attacks, thus preventing the browser from accessing websites that could exploit the browser’s vulnerabilities or download malicious software.
  • Ensure that your browser is always updated. Many cookie-based attacks are realized by exploiting the weaknesses of old and outdated versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you wish to enjoy access to the best and largest websites—local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures to browse the internet with confidence.

Disabling or refusing to receive cookies can make some sites unusable or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive/see online advertisements.

All modern browsers offer the possibility to change cookie settings. These settings are generally found in the "options" or "preferences" menu of your browser. To find these settings, you can also use the links below or the "help" option of your browser for more details.