A cookie, also referred to as an http cookie or a web cookie, is a small bit of data that is deposited on a user’s computer when visiting a web site. These cookies allow the site to remember the user and any personal information that is input while on the site, such as passwords and account numbers. By placing the cookie on your computer, the next time that you visit the site, it can access the stored information and ‘remember’ you and your data, saving you from re-entering identifying information.

In many cases, cookies are helpful and timesaving for users since they remember personal information such as names, addresses and other billing information so that you don’t have to re-enter the same data every time you shop online. In addition, they allow you to instead save items in online shopping carts.

However, there are also drawbacks to cookies. Once the data is stored on your computer it is retrievable by hackers online if they are able to access your computer. If you save all your account and password information, then all a hacker has to do is gain access to your computer and they can access all your sensitive information. Another possible threat is online, and the risk that inscrutable websites collect your personal information for reasons like identity or credit theft, adware solicitation or tracking your Internet use.

While some sites require that you have cookies enabled to use them, there is always the option to turn them off. Depending on your browser there are different steps to follow. For Internet Explorer, go in to your Tools menu and chose Internet Options. Next, select the Security/Privacy tab then the Custom Level tab. Then, find the Cookies label and select Disable to turn cookies off altogether or Prompt if you would like to be asked for explicit permission for each site that uses cookies. If you select restricted allowance of cookies then each time a site tries to access your computer it will be restricted while you are offered an explanation of the site and the information and can choose to accept or reject it. However, some sites do require cookies and refusing them will mean that you can’t use the site.

There are also a number of privacy software programs that are designed to help you monitor and deal with threats to your security, such as cookies. In addition to other risks, like cached files and browsing histories, that can be used to monitor your online behavior and preferences, privacy scans can root out and eliminate all types of spyware to enhance your online privacy and Internet security.

What are cookies? And what’s their function?

If you ask the Cookie Monster, you’ll get an answer such as “Me love cookies.” But if you ask me, computer cookies are a mixed bag of tricks. Cookies are small text files that are saved on your computer after visiting websites. Their purpose is to enhance your experience. That is, they save information about your preferences so that the next time you visit the website, your browsing experience is customized.

For example, if you go to Amazon.com and order a book about breeding golden retrievers, the next time you visit, you might be taken to a page showing you books about dog obedience training or hunting with bird dogs.

Another good use for cookies is for customizing certain pages. For example, you can set up many web pages to display content specifically to meet your needs such as by entering your birth date in order to get a daily horoscope and your zip code to get the local weather report.

So, if cookies are so useful, what’s the problem? Just as with any technology, a good thing in the wrong hands isn’t so good after all. Data mining cookies can track your Web surfing habits and “customize” and experience you don’t want at all. For example, say you’re searching the Internet for information about golden retrievers. Next thing you know, you’re getting pop-up advertisements and e-mail messages hawking everything from dog bones to arthritis medicine for your aging golden retriever’s aching hips.

Another issue is that because cookies are stored on your computer, they leave a track of many of the websites you’ve been visiting. Simply by looking in the cookies folder, anyone can see the evidence of recently visited websites.

Here’s another problem - junk mail and spam. Cookies can track more than just the orders you’ve placed or the zip code you’ve entered. They can record the pages you’ve visited, the ads that you’ve clicked on, your IP address, and much more about your Web surfing habits. When you place an order or register with the Website, your name and address become linked to this information which becomes a goldmine to marketers. Not only might this company start sending you unwanted junk mail and spam, they might take it a step further and sell your information to others. Suddenly, your mailbox is packed to the brim with offers related to your initial order.

A large network called DoubleClick serves up banner advertisements all over the Internet and collects information about visitor’s habits. As more information is collected, a huge profile about your surfing habits across the Internet (not just a particular Website) is created - another goldmine to marketers.

Cookies have their good points and their bad points. While I like having a custom experience, I don’t like giving marketers any more information than possible. Because of this I limit the type of cookies I’ll accept. Yes, you can do that. Go to Internet Options (found in the Tools menu of Internet Explorer) and click on the Privacy tab. Now, slide the settings bar up and down the scale and read the different options. Choose the option that works best for you.