What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files, consisting of letters and numbers, stored on a computer, mobile phone, or other devices that have internet access. Cookies are installed through requests sent by a server to an internet browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, etc.).
What is the lifespan of cookies?
The lifespan of cookie files can vary significantly depending on the purpose for which they are placed and can be classified as either temporary (“session cookies”) or permanent (“persistent cookies”).
“Session cookies” record the user’s actions in a single browsing session on the site. This “session” begins when the site page is opened and ends when the internet browser is closed. In practice, at the end of the session, cookies are permanently deleted. These cookies do not store personally identifiable information.
“Persistent cookies” are those cookies stored on the user’s device until they are deleted or reach their expiration date. These cookies have a longer duration and are automatically activated when the user revisits a specific site. Persistent cookies can provide information about the number of visitors/users to a site, average time spent on a specific page, website performance, etc. Although these cookies have a longer lifespan, they can be deleted from the user’s devices at any time by modifying the settings of the browser used. These cookies do not store personally identifiable information.
Persistent cookie files stored on your devices as a result of accessing and using the site will not exceed a period of 2 years from the date of the last visit.
What are cookies used for?
For the optimal functioning of the site;
For customizing certain settings (language in which a site is viewed, currency in which certain prices are expressed, remembering options for various products in the shopping cart, when applicable);
For optimizing site performance;
For obtaining valuable feedback on how the site is used (e.g., analyzing traffic to optimize its level, the type of content viewed, or how a user arrives at the site—search engines, direct, other websites, etc.). All this information allows us to create content as efficiently and accessible as possible for users;
For providing relevant advertising to users.
What categories of cookies are used on this site?
NECESSARY
Necessary cookies help make a site usable by activating basic functions, such as page navigation and access to secure areas of the site. The site cannot function properly without these cookies.
STATISTICS
Statistics cookies help site owners understand how visitors interact with the site by collecting and reporting information anonymously, without personal user identification.
We may store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For all other types of cookies, we will ask for permission.
These categories of cookies can also be classified based on their source: “first-party cookies” or “third-party cookies.”
“First-party cookies” are cookies created by this site, while “third-party cookies” are created by a site other than the one visited. This site may allow the use/installation of “third-party cookies” only from sites approved in advance by www.econnected.ro.
The information associated with cookies used on this site is not used to personally identify you.
Are there risks associated with the use of cookies?
These files do not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information stored on the equipment’s hard drive. Cookie files do not request personal information to be used later.
Data collected through the use of cookies can facilitate certain functionalities for the user.
This data is usually encrypted in a way that makes unauthorized access to it impossible.
However, cookie files can be used for negative purposes. Since they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a specific site and on multiple other sites, cookie files can be used as a form of spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this and consistently mark cookie files for deletion during antivirus/anti-spyware scanning procedures.
In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of acceptance for cookie files, expiration periods, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a specific site.
Identity protection is highly valuable and represents the right of every Internet user, so it is advisable to be aware of potential issues that cookie files may cause.
Because they constantly transmit information in both directions between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes in the data transmission process, the information contained in cookie files can be intercepted. Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g., an unsecured WiFi network).
Other attacks based on cookie files involve incorrect settings of cookie files on servers. If a website does not request the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information to access certain sites unauthorized. It is crucial to carefully choose the most suitable method of personal information protection.
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.
Tips to ensure worry-free browsing with the help of cookies:
Customize your browser settings regarding cookie files to reflect a comfortable level of security for you.
If you don’t mind cookie files, and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration terms for storing browsing history and personal access data.
If you share computer access, consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data every time you close it. This is an option to access sites that place cookie files and delete any visitation information when the browsing session is closed.
Install and constantly update antispyware applications.
How can you control cookies?
You can control and delete cookies because most modern browsers allow blocking and placing cookies.
Note! Disabling and refusing to receive cookie files can make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, by refusing to accept cookie files, it does not mean that you will no longer receive/see online advertising.
Disabling cookie files will not allow the user access to the most widespread and used sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.
For more details regarding cookie management, you can access the following links:
Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=ro
Mozilla Firefox
https://support.mozilla.org/ro/kb/activarea-si-dezactivarea-cookie-urilor
Safari
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19214?viewlocale=ro_RO&locale=en_US
Other useful links: