Internet cookies are being used by many websites. They serve to store user data and behaviors in the browser, thereby allowing websites to develop a more personalized experience tailored to the individual preferences of users.

In some situations, cookies can pose a danger and affect the privacy of users due to unethical actions by hackers. Therefore, having a basic knowledge of cookies can help you protect your privacy and internet activity. 

What are cookies?

Cookies are text files used by websites, aiming to collect and record data and information about users' browsing. They allow your actions to be stored and facilitate the personalization of the browsing experience. 

Thus, when accessing a website, the user may encounter a text box stating that the page uses cookies and explaining that there is a possible sharing of their browsing data. This way, the user can allow or decline the actions of cookies in their browser. 

In this regard, it is important to highlight that cookies are entirely linked to the LGPD (General Data Protection Law), which aims to keep user information safe and secure, ensuring that there is no violation regarding the standards established by this legislation. This explains the “Accept cookies” warning.

It is also possible to manage and change what will be stored before clicking on “Accept all cookies”, however, many people do not pay attention to this option in their daily life. 

Some other stored information can be the history of visits, browsing time, time spent on the visited pages, and among others.

In addition to remembering your preferences, cookies also have the function of making it easier to log into websites, due to information storage. In other words, you do not need to type your user information and password, and you can even be reminded of items in the shopping cart. 

What are cookies used for?

Cookies are used to personalize content and advertisements in order to provide a more tailored experience to the user, because through them it will be possible to personalize the content we will see in the future based on what was saved.

This data storage process is also used to facilitate access to website pages. For example, if it is a shopping-related website, it will remember what you put in the cart when accessing it some other time, or you may also receive emails reminding you to complete the purchase of the products previously added to the cart.

From this, the website can send you advertisements for products chosen on other sites, or items in which you showed greater interest and screen time. In addition, cookies are also used to fill out forms faster, as they save your information for future use.

Where are cookies stored?

Cookies are stored directly on the device used for browsing, within the browser itself. This process frees up storage space on the websites' servers, reducing storage costs.

Each browser offers a tab to users, with the power to view the cookies being stored and even manage actions. Generally, this file appears under the label “cookies” in the browser settings and you can customize these actions. 

In this context, it is worth emphasizing that cookies are not stored forever. They are temporary, as they have an expiration date defined by the website that created them.

What are the different types of cookies?

There are different types of internet cookies, and referring to the most important ones, we can mention:

Session cookies: this type of cookie is deleted after the user logs out of their account or website, and they are not temporary, which means they must be deleted from the browser as soon as the session ends. So, they are used to track a user's session.

Persistent cookies: persistent cookies can remain inside the user's browser for an indefinite period, but they have an expiration date. They are most commonly used for authentication and tracking purposes. 

Authentication cookies: their main goal is to help manage user sessions. In this way, they simplify login actions, so that users do not have to remember their passwords every time they enter websites.

Tracking cookies: they are generated through tracking services, in order to monitor and control all visits to a certain website over time.

Zombie cookies: they are the only ones capable of reappearing even after being removed from the user's device. They are used by web analytics companies to individually track the browsing histories of each browser. However, in some cases, they can be generated negatively by hackers.

What are third-party cookies?

Third-party cookies are the collection of information made through advertisements, e-commerce, or websites. In this way, these cookies are most used for behavior tracking purposes, as they can track your activity across different websites.

This means that third-party cookies can still be in your browser and collect information about you, even while you are currently browsing a different website. Thus, third-party cookies are present on more than one website and are capable of identifying the terms you search for.

Therefore, similar to zombie cookies, third-party cookies can be dangerous in certain situations, as hackers can create this type of cookie with the purpose of spreading viruses.

How do cookies affect user privacy?

Despite being a necessary part of web browsing, cookies can affect users' online privacy because they store relevant and private information about their behavior that can be used unethically, by hackers, for example.

Thus, these criminals can use cookies to track users without their proper permission. Despite this, the cookie itself does not pose risks or dangers to personal data or files stored on the user's computer, tablet, or cell phone, since it usually stores random codes for identification.

Why do websites ask users to accept cookies?

The action of asking the user to accept cookies is connected to the LGPD (General Data Protection Law), as mentioned earlier. It establishes guidelines on how user information must be stored and used.

Furthermore, the action of asking to accept cookies is driven by the European Union's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). This law addresses various data protection issues and requires websites to request authorization and consent from browsers so they can access their information.

Due to the development of these laws, nowadays, cookie warnings on websites are increasingly frequent, allowing the user to control and analyze what the websites are using.

What happens if the user does not accept them?

If the user does not accept cookies, they can mitigate their risks of security and privacy breaches, as it means websites do not have permission to store these cookies on their device.

Therefore, by removing or not accepting them, browsing on certain websites may be affected. Since users will have to enter their information again upon every visit, and their browsing experience will not be as personalized. 

Also, some websites may have their performance affected, since some of them depend on cookies to improve their functionalities. For this reason, some cookie warnings contain terms indicating that the user can control what will be collected, but others cannot be deactivated, so as not to compromise the functioning of the web page.

It is vital to highlight that although removing cookie activities can help protect user data, as some can be used by hackers unethically, external protection help is still needed if the goal is to protect your online privacy.

In summary, if the user does not accept common cookies, browsing data and behavior are not allowed to be stored on their device. However, without them, the web browsing experience may be slower and can present challenges.

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