What are cookies? The hidden bots tracking what you do

We all know the endless questions: Do you want to accept cookies on this site? Approve essential and inessential cookies? Do you want to consent to sharing with approved sponsors?

Accessing almost any web content will involve you being exposed to cookies, whether you consent to them or not. It’s important for everything to know what cookies are, how they work, and the many different kinds of cookies out there.

While certain types of cookies are important for the operations of websites and services, many are far from essential: they are in back tracking technologies meant to collect data about what you do online and transfer it to third-parties.

What are cookies on a website?

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to remember information about you.

How cookies work

Cookies function like a virtual coat check system:

• You visit a website, and a small packet of data is linked to you
• The website provides you with a unique identifier (cookie), which is stored in your browser
• When you revisit the website, your browser sends the cookie back, allowing the website to recognize you and restore your preferences

Why cookies are there

This process enhances user experience by remembering login details, shopping carts, and website preferences. However, cookies also raise privacy concerns, especially when used for tracking and advertising purposes. The internet is full of trackers, and cookies are just one piece of the puzzle. While disabling third-party cookies helps, it’s not enough. Nym VPN goes beyond browser settings, shielding your entire online activity from surveillance.

What are the different types of HTTP cookies?

There are several types of HTTP cookies, each serving a different purpose:

Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
• Used to remember temporary information like login sessions or shopping carts.

Persistent Cookies

• Stored on your device for a set period.
• Used for long-term tracking and personalization, such as remembering language preferences.

Authentication Cookies

• Used to verify user identity and maintain logins across sessions.
• Essential for secure areas of websites like online banking and email accounts.

Tracking Cookies

• Monitor user behavior across websites.
• Often used by advertisers to build user profiles and serve targeted ads.

First-Party Cookies

• Set by the website you are visiting.
• Typically used to improve user experience, such as remembering login details.

Third-Party Cookies

• Set by domains other than the one you are visiting.
• Commonly used for advertising and tracking across multiple sites.

Zombie Cookies

• Recreate themselves even after deletion.
• Often used for aggressive tracking and difficult to remove.

Essential Cookies

• Necessary for website functionality.
• Typically include authentication and security-related cookies.

Performance Cookies

• Track website performance and user interactions.
• Help website owners improve functionality and user experience.

Functionality Cookies

• Remember user preferences such as language and themes.
• Enhance usability without tracking personal data.

Advertising Cookies

• Used to serve targeted ads based on browsing behavior.
• Often set by third-party ad networks.

Where are cookies stored?

Cookies are stored on your device, either in your browser or a dedicated system folder. The exact location depends on your operating system and browser. Some browsers allow users to view and manage stored cookies through their settings.

What are cookies used for?

Cookies serve various functions, including:

• Setting language preferences
• Remembering items in a shopping cart
• Storing login credentials
• Preventing fraud and enhancing security
• Creating targeted ads based on browsing history
• Tracking user interactions with ads
• Personalizing content recommendations
• Auto-filling forms for convenience

Should I enable cookies?

Pros of enabling cookies

• Enhances website functionality and user experience
• Streamlines browsing by remembering preferences
• Enables auto-login and personalized content

Cons of enabling cookies

• Potential privacy risks from tracking cookies
• Increased exposure to targeted ads
• Some cookies can be used for surveillance and data collection.

Nym’s summary

Cookies track you, but they’re just the beginning. Your IP address, metadata, and browsing habits are constantly monitored. NymVPN protects more than just your browser — it anonymizes your entire connection. Take back your digital freedom. Get NymVPN and stay truly private.