Information Security Tips Series
Do You Like Cookies?
A cookie, also known as a browser cookie, is a piece of data stored in a small file on the user's computer by a website when the user visits the website. Information like the user's browsing history and buttons clicked will be stored inside this file and will then be subsequently sent back to the same website. The original purpose of this technology is to "remember" the "preference" of the user so as to provide practical benefits to both the user and the website which make the net surfing experience smoother and more personalised. To illustrate, let's imagine the restaurant is the website and the waitress is playing the role of a cookie. The waitress remembers who you are and what you like to eat every time you come. This is nice and you appreciate it because things are so familiar and efficient.
However, you may not like all kinds of cookies. For example, you may not like the waitress who might tell other people your eating habit. The following tells the difference between first-party cookies and third-party cookies.
First-party Cookies
vs Third-party Cookies
First-party cookies are created by
the website that you are currently visiting, as shown in the browser's
address bar. As mentioned earlier, they can enhance your online
experience by creating a personalised website for you and some online
transactions are achieved using this technology. Third-party cookies
are created by a website different from the one you are currently
visiting and typically originate from advertisers who wish to learn
more about your overall web surfing behaviour and interest in order to
boost business growth. Therefore, some might consider third-party
cookies an invasion of privacy and riskier than first-party ones.Protect your privacy
Now you understand the difference between first-party and third-party cookies. You can determine whether you want to accept them when you surf the Internet. Some web browsers allow users to choose, e.g., to accept first-party cookies only but not third-party ones. You can change the settings in your browser to meet your needs best. If you choose not to accept them totally, you may encounter problems in some websites using cookies. If you accept them or partially accept them, you should beware the privacy risk associated with them. It is suggested that you can delete them periodically, e.g., when the browser is closed, to reduce the risk of being tracked.
Changing cookie
setting
1. Open the Internet Explorer browser and click "Tools". Select "Internet Options"
2. Click the "Privacy" tab and click "Advanced". Select "Override automatic cookie handling".
3. Select the setting for third party cookie or first party cookie. Click "OK" to save changes and click "OK" again to close the Internet options.
Deleting existing
cookie (Internet Explorer 8)
1. Open the Internet Explorer browser and click "Tools" on the top menu. Select "Internet Options".
2. Click the "General" tab and click "Delete" which is located under "Browsing History".
3. Select "Cookie" and click "Delete", and then click "OK" again to close the Internet options.
