Understanding and Managing Website Cookies: Types, Functions, and Security

What Are Cookies?

Before we dive into the types of cookies, let’s establish a general understanding. Cookies are tiny text files placed on a user’s computer or smartphone. They are commonly used to collect data, often personal, to enhance the functionality of websites. Most website operators employ cookies to store information on a user’s browser or hard drive. These cookies can record website usage data or recognize returning visitors as existing customers. Importantly, cookies are not viruses or spyware, and laws protect website users, giving them the option to opt out of cookie usage.

The Benefits

Cookies are instrumental in making your web experience faster, more convenient, and personalized. For instance, you can set your preferred language on a website during your initial visit, and cookies will remember this choice for your subsequent visits.

Cookies can be categorized into two main parties: first-party and third-party, based on their origin and the server from which they are dropped onto the user’s browser.

Cookies by Party

• First-Party Cookies: These cookies are stored directly on the domain or website you’re visiting. They allow website owners to collect data for analytics, remember user settings, and enhance the browsing experience. Examples include remembering login details, online shopping cart items, and language preferences.
• Third-Party Cookies: In contrast, third-party cookies are set by domains other than the one you’re currently visiting. They are often used for advertising and tracking purposes, enabling advertisers to collect data on your browsing behavior across various websites. Due to privacy concerns, many web browsers offer options to block third-party cookies.

Cookies by Category

Cookies serve various purposes beyond tracking user actions. They can be categorized into different types based on their functions.

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: These essential cookies enable basic website functions such as sign-ins, adding items to a cart, and making online purchases. They don’t require user consent and are exempt from most cookie consent regulations.
• Performance Cookies: These cookies monitor site performance without collecting identifiable information. They count page visits, analyze time spent on a website, and assess loading speeds to enhance performance. They can be first-party or third-party cookies.
• Functional Cookies: Functional cookies are used to improve website performance by remembering user preferences and settings, like location. User consent is typically required for these cookies.
• Targeting Cookies: Targeting cookies assist in displaying personalized ads to users and can be shared with other advertisers to monitor ad performance. They are almost always third-party cookies and follow users across different websites.

Cookies by Security

Cookies can also be classified by their level of security, crucial for maintaining user privacy.

• HttpOnly Cookies: These security-focused cookies cannot be accessed by JavaScript on a webpage, making them resistant to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. They are often used for session management and storing authentication tokens.
• SameSite Cookies: These cookies control how cookies are submitted in cross-site requests, mitigating the risk of cross-origin information leakage.
• Secure Cookies: Secure cookies are transmitted only over encrypted, secure connections. They are used for sensitive information like login credentials and payment details, enhancing data security.

To Wrap Things Up

Cookies play an indispensable role in modern web browsing, offering a range of functions that enhance user convenience and website functionality. Understanding the different types of cookies and their purposes empowers users to make informed choices about online privacy. While cookies provide significant benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential privacy risks and take appropriate measures to protect your data while enjoying the convenience they provide.

In this digital age, where cookies are ubiquitous, knowing how to manage and safeguard your online presence is crucial. By being informed about the various types of internet cookies, you can navigate the online landscape more confidently.

If you’re concerned about your website’s cookies and how to manage them effectively, consider using GetTerms’ Cookie Scanner. This unique tool automatically scans your website cookies and keeps your cookie declaration up-to-date every month.