Delete Cookies: New-Age Diet or Common Sense Internet Security? > NetSparsh

Home
>
Internet Security
>
Delete Cookies: New-Age Diet or Common Sense Internet Security?

Delete Cookies: New-Age Diet or Common Sense Internet Security?

No, this article isn't about some new, lose-20-pounds-in-a-week, certified-by-some-tan-Southern-California-doctor diet. It's about cookies on your computer - what they are, why they are there, and what to do about them. Computer cookies actually have quite a bit in common with their baked counterparts - some are good, some are bad, and they have expiration dates.

Cookies are small text files that a server places onto your hard drive whenever you access a given domain. Cookies typically contain information that the website uses to either customize the page you are viewing or otherwise make your web browsing experience more convenient and enjoyable. The information is stored on your hard drive and accessed whenever you go back to the website that originally gave you the cookie. They usually include an expiration date at which point they will be erased from your computer - it could be when you close your browser; or hours, days, months, or years after it is placed. Some don't expire at all. At the time of this writing I had a cookie stored on my computer that wasn't set to expire until Wednesday, February 25th, 2195 at 3:45:13 am - I deleted it.

Before you run out to your browser's options and delete and block all cookies, let me mention a few common uses of cookies:

* Cookies store information for 'shopping carts' at online stores. When you select an item and place it in the shopping cart, a cookie is created to remember the item and the price so that you can keep shopping. When you are done shopping you simply click the button to check out and the site accesses the information stored in the cookies to complete your order.

* Cookies can be used to remember logins and passwords. While this initially sounds a little disheartening, the purpose is really to save you time. Sites will remember the information for you so you don't have to type it in each time you want to access information.

* Cookies help websites customize their content and layout for you. If you are a diehard fan of the local college's basketball team, and you always access the stats and score from the game at a website, that site might use a cookie to send you straight to your team's page.

* Cookies help identify whether you have already visited a site. They can also count how many times you have visited the site in a given period of time.

* Cookies remember the last page or position you were on at the site. Like a virtual bookmark, this is especially helpful if you are reading online or accessing several pages of information.

There are many other ways cookies can be used, and there is obvious potential for abuse. You probably wouldn't eat a cookie given to you by a complete stranger, especially if you didn't know what was in it. The same common-sense principle holds true while you're online, and exercising a little caution can save you from a lot of heartache later on. Blocking any and all cookies will guarantee no personal information is leaked through the cookies, but many sites will either not be able to or will choose not to interact with you.

The trick, then, is to let the good cookies through while screening out the bad ones, not at all dissimilar to what you do when you hover over the cookie tray at a party - you take the ones you want and leave the rest behind. This can be accomplished in a few different ways.

First, you can periodically delete all the cookies on your hard drive. This will systematically wipe out all unwanted cookies that have made their way to your computer. Unfortunately, it will also take care of all the good cookies too. If you only use the internet occasionally (i.e. a few minutes a week), this option might work for you.

Second, you can try to go about it manually. Many browsers that allow you to block cookies also include a feature that allows you to include a list of sites from which you will allow cookies. The advantage of this method is it places virtually complete control over cookies into your hands, allowing only those that you want to be placed on your hard drive. The disadvantage is that it can become very burdensome (at times downright annoying) having to constantly update the list of allowed sites.

Third, you can call in some third-party software to help out. The best programs will scan your computer to find all the cookies and put them into a table or list. This saves you the trouble of having to dig around your hard drive to find the files yourself (try looking for a folder named "Cookies"). Many programs will also indicate with some degree of confidence whether a given cookie is wanted or unwanted, and provide a convenient way to delete the ones that you decide you don't want.

Nick Smith is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For great software to help delete cookies, check out ContentWatch, Inc.

In The News:

UN Security Council Names Masood Azhar’s JeM in Pulwama Statement, China On Board This Time News18UN Security Council condemns Pulwama attack, names Jaish-e-Mohammed as culprit India TodayUN Security Council condemns Pulwama attacks despite Pakistan efforts Economic TimesUN Security Council condemns Pulwama attack The HinduUnited Nations Security Council condemns Pulwama terror attack Times NowView full coverage on Google News

WinRAR has a critical security bug: here is the fix Ghacks Technology NewsWinRAR patches 19 year old security bug that put millions at risk The VergeBehold… a WinRAR security bug that's older than your child's favorite YouTuber. And yes, you should patch this hole The RegisterWinRAR’s latest patch fixes a 19-year-old security issue TrustedReviewsWinRAR security bug may have put more than 500 million users at risk for over a decade TechSpotView full coverage on Google News

Retired physicist leading new Trump effort to question climate threat to security Science MagazineWilliam Happer has long argued carbon dioxide emissions pose little risk.

Google says not disclosing the microphone in its Next home security device was an 'error' CNBCAlphabet's Google said it had made an "error" in not disclosing that its Nest Secure home security system had a built-in microphone in its devices.

J&K: Security forces gun down militant in Sopore encounter India TodayAn encounter broke out on Friday between security forces and militants in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. A militant was ...

Rahul Gandhi keen on national security, surgical strike hero DS Hooda refutes BJP's charges India TodayRefuting BJP's accusations that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is not worried about India's national security, Lt Gen DS Hooda told India Today TV that Gandhi is ...

India and Saudi agree to set up comprehensive security dialogue Times of IndiaIndia News: NEW DELHI: India and Saudi Arabia have advanced a security relationship that started in 2016 by instituting a framework body to oversee common ...

Department of Homeland Security Reportedly Compiling Evidence on R. Kelly ComplexDepartment leaders are expected to present the evidence to a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York.

J&K: Security withdrawal of Hurriyat & regional leaders triggers war of words Times of IndiaIndia News: The move to withdraw security from 18 Hurriyat leaders and some regional mainstream politicians has evoked mixed reponse in Jammu and ...

Imran Khan Holds National Security Meet Amid Heightened Indo-Pak Tensions NDTV NewsPrime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired a key meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) during which the country's security situation was ...

Latin America’s Largest Investment Bank to Launch Its Own Security Token CointelegraphNews. Latin America's largest investment bank Banco BTG Pactual SA is releasing its own blockchain-based security token, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 21.

Yasin Malik, Hurriyat Coference term order of withdrawal of security cover a 'lie' Times of IndiaIndia News: SRINAGAR: JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik and hardline Hurriyat Conference Thursday termed the Jammu and Kashmir administration's ...

Cisco warns on HyperFlex security vulnerabilities Network WorldWeaknesses in Cisco's HyperFlex hyperconverged data-center gear could allow command-injection exploits.

Brazilian Bank Aims to Raise $15 Million Through Security Token Offering CoinDeskA Brazilian investment bank is planning to raise millions of dollars through the offering of a security token. In an announcement Thursday, Banco BTG Pactual ...

Automation Is Key To Thwarting Cloud Security Threats, New Oracle-KPMG Research Shows ForbesThe Oracle and KPMG Cloud Threat Report 2019 focuses on key challenges in cybersecurity, including phishing, and the shared responsibility security model ...

Bug in your WhatsApp: iPhone users face security risk thanks to Face ID, Touch ID glitch Business TodayWhatsApp has acknowledged the problem and will soon be coming out with an update to fix the same.

Microsoft publishes security alert on IIS bug that causes 100% CPU usage spikes ZDNetThis device is unable to play the requested video. The Microsoft Security Response Center published yesterday a security advisory about a denial of *service* ...

Three security personnel injured in encounters with Naxals Times of IndiaIndia News: RAIPUR: Three security personnel were injured in two separate encounters with Naxals in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, police said.

Omar Abdullah hits out at Centre for removing security of 'mainstream political workers' in Pulwama aftermath Times NowNational Conference leader Omar Abdullah hit out at Centre for removal of security to mainstream political parties after the Pulwama attack. He urged J&K ...

The extreme security measures of Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” writers room QuartzGandalf told Frodo to keep the ring secret and safe. Amazon is taking that advice to heart. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Amazon Studios chief ...

Huawei will address the U.K.’s 5G security concerns in first half of 2019 VentureBeat(Reuters) — Huawei will present a plan to address British security concerns about its equipment by the end of the first half of this year, a senior company ...

Sheriff's memo underscores concern over courthouse security Fox 35 OrlandoMore concerns are coming forward about a pricey security contract in Orange County.

More Staff For Railway Protection Force In Kashmir After Pulwama Attack NDTV NewsThe Railway Protection Force has increased the number of its personnel in Kashmir following the terror attack in Pulwama to ensure the safety of train ...

Australian government security contractor Paladin breaks silence on corruption allegations The GuardianCompany that was awarded $423m to provide services on Manus Island says reports linking it to bad debts are 'offensive' and 'unsubstantiated'

Goldman Sachs-Backed Email Security Startup Quietly Replaces CEO FortuneAgari, an email security startup backed by Goldman Sachs, has quietly replaced CEO Ravi Khatod with company founder Patrick Peterson.

Climate threat doubter leads effort to advise Trump on 'climate security' CBC.caThe Trump administration is exploring the idea of forming a special committee to look at climate change and security risks, with the effort being co-ordinated by a ...

For $99, this battery-powered security camera fits over your front door CNETIn this day and age, a front-door security camera probably makes sense. However, unless you're willing to wire it to your home network -- a pretty big installation ...

Lockly Secure Plus smart lock review: fingerprint reader boosts home security INSIDERInstead of leaving a key under the doormat or keeping the back window unlocked, I recommend investing in the Lockly Secure Plus for hassle-free home ...

Password Managers Have A Security Flaw -- Here's How To Avoid It ForbesA major issue is affecting password managers such as 1Password, Dashlane, KeePass and LastPass. Here's what to do.

Withdrawal of security to separatists a step towards nailing anti-national elements: J&K BJP Times of IndiaIndia News: JAMMU: The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit on Thursday welcomed the state administration's decision to withdraw security cover of separatist ...

Trump's possible national-security tariffs on autos would be socialism at its worst. Here's why they're bad for America. Business InsiderThe Trump administration would be picking winners and losers in the auto industry and it might induce a recession in the process.

Firing near Akshardham temple, security heightened, 2 arrested India TodayA robbery incident was reported at the Pandav Nagar police station. When the group of robbers was apprehended, they opened fire at the police.

‘We Never Asked for It’: Kashmiri Separatists React After Govt Withdraws Security Cover News18The two top separatists, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Yasin Malik, who were excluded from this order, said they have no government security.

Security guard arrested after stray bullet hits Joburg resident IOLJohannesburg - Johannesburg police arrested a 41-year old security guard for attempted murder at Mayfair train station on 20 February after he allegedly shot ...

New Breed of Fuel Pump Skimmer? Not Really Krebs on SecurityFraud investigators say they've uncovered a sophisticated new breed of credit card skimmers being installed at gas pumps that is capable of relaying stolen card ...

The Hot, Lucrative Market in IT Security Talent Wall Street JournalThe cybersecurity talent shortage has driven up salaries. A look at who's making what.

Sydney Airport to establish cyber security centre iTnewsSydney Airport is preparing to establish an around-the-clock cyber security operations centre to protect its systems and data holdings from the threat of ...

H-1B spouse work ban pushed ahead by Homeland Security The Mercury NewsA planned employment ban for an estimated 100,000 spouses of H-1B visa holders has moved ahead with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sending ...

Security supervisor fired at Montreal General Hospital after petition Montreal Gazette"We must act (to make sure) security is enhanced at the Montreal General, and as quickly as possible," the 111-name petition urges.

Marriott hack spurs tightening of California data-security laws Washington ExaminerThe theft of data at businesses from banks to credit bureaus that has, so far, spurred only hearings in Congress has prompted a considerably more decisive ...

Explained: The challenge in moving security forces in Jammu and Kashmir The Indian ExpressThe day after a suicide car bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a paramilitary bus in Pulwama of Jammu & Kashmir, killing 40 CRPF personnel, Union ...

I-TEAM: New video & questions about security gap at Hopkins Airport WJW FOX 8 News ClevelandCLEVELAND -- The FOX 8 I-TEAM has now obtained video showing how a suspected drunk driver ended up on the airfield at Hopkins Airport and it has the ...

This password manager maximizes security on every website Boing BoingUse a single password for every website, and you're compromising your security. Use a different one each time, and you're bound to lose track of them.

Google sets new Android API level requirements to ‘improve the security of the app ecosystem’ VentureBeatGoogle today reaffirmed that China's Telecommunications Terminal Industry Association, a government-backed industry association and think tank, will require ...

Security token offerings aren't looking much better in 2019 TechCrunchPressed to explain who is using them, and why, 99 percent of cryptocurrencies let out all their air, go flying around the room making a raspberry sound, hit the ...

Best practices for handling gaps in cloud security TechRepublicEstablishing sufficient cloud security is a complex challenge. Learn where your attention is best directed to achieve the best results.

Home Security Video Shows Shanann Watts Shortly Before Her Death CBS DenverFREDERICK, Colo. (CBS4) – Newly released home security video shows Shanann Watts returning home from a trip, just moments before she was murdered by ...

In huge move, J&K govt scraps security for 18 separatists, 155 politicians Hindustan TimesThe Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday downgraded or withdrew the security cover provided to 18 separatist leaders from the Hurriyat, including ...

Venezuela security forces punish anti-Maduro protesters: Amnesty Al Jazeera EnglishRights group says dozens were killed during five days of protests in January and 900 people were arrested.

Cisco patches a couple of root access-granting security flaws ZDNetCisco releases 15 security updates, with Cisco HyperFlex receiving two very important fixes.

As job security questions swirl, Glor may come home to anchor 'CBS Evening News' Buffalo NewsJeff Glor is scheduled to speak to an audience at the Buffalo Club on April 5 and possibly anchor “The CBS Evening News” from his hometown on the same ...

MWC Barcelona: 5G, Software, and Security With 100,000 Friends SDxCentralThis year's MWC Barcelona event is shaping up to be another humdinger that will try the patience, stamina, and shoes of the more than 100,000 attendees.

'Threshold test': Security analyst says Australia must stand up to China's coal ban SBS NewsAustralia is facing a "threshold test" in its handling of its relationship with China after Australian coal imports were banned from five ports in the country's ...

Prince Harry 'breaches royal security' with same 'normal' gesture as Meghan Mirror OnlineThe Duke of Sussex's broke with royal protocol on a recent visit to a Royal Marine base.

Lawyer says security firm lawsuit plaintiffs still targets of identity theft WTOCFormer security firm employees says they're still being targeted after personnel data leak.

Anonymous Security Researcher Uncovers Exploit in Bitmain’s Bitcoin Miner S15 CCNDeveloper James Hilliard, best known for his Bitcoin Improvement Proposal #91 (the BIP which activated SegWit and prevented SegWit2x) and the CGMiner ...

Vietnam tightens security at border station ahead of Kim Jong Un visit Channel NewsAsiaView of the train station where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to arrive, at the border town with China in Dong Dang, Vietnam February 21, 2019.

Cyber security firms show how to bring the rule of law online Financial TimesAlliance against PC malware should be a model for addressing other consumer harms.

Police will lead security operation on election day —INEC The PunchEniola Akinkuotu, Abuja. The Independent National Electoral Commission says the police and not the military will lead security operations on election day.

MCPSS on security measures on recent incidents: "They were handled perfectly" WKRG News 5Despite two students being arrested for allegedly having guns and a student arrested for allegedly assaulting a teacher, the district says it doesn't plan to change ...

Revealed: Numbers show extent of security fears about security biz Kaspersky Lab The RegisterEugene Kaspersky's security biz saw turnover crash by a quarter in North America following the US government's decision to remove the antivirus software from ...

WATCH: Young boy uses security camera to get dad’s help in hilarious video FOX 59 IndianapolisHASLETT, Mich. – Many who are familiar with Ring's outdoor motion based cameras and doorbells imagine them being used for security purposes. Well this ...

Ludlow Police seeking security camera footage connected to deadly Russell St. accident WWLP.comPolice are asking residents and businesses with security cameras in neighborhoods surrounding West Avenue to contact them regarding footage connected to a ...

Huskers' Tim Miles apologizes for 'millionaire' comment on job security ESPNNebraska's Tim Miles, whose job security has been in question, apologized Thursday for saying he'll "still be a millionaire" if he gets fired.

Jussie Smollett Will Not Get Security from Chicago Police After Release from Jail The BlastJussie Smollett may regret upsetting the entire city of Chicago, because now that he's been sprung from jail he's not getting any extra protection.

Rajnath Singh Reviews Security Situation In Jammu And Kashmir NDTV NewsHome Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 CRPF Jawans were killed ...

TPD asks homeowners and businesses to register security cameras WIBWTPD said Thursday it wants to make a list of surveillance cameras at homes and businesses throughout the city. It says the registry 'will be an important tool... to ...

Micro Focus acquires security analytics vendor Interset Moneycontrol.comThe addition of predictive analytics technology adds depth to Micro Focus' Security portfolio.

Security guard who protected royals held in immigration detention The GuardianMan separated from his child after Home Office tipped off about end of relationship with child's mother.

Venezuela crisis: Air France suspends flights to Caracas amid ‘security concerns’ Express.co.ukAIR FRANCE has temporarily suspended flights to the Venezuelan capital Caracas over “security” concerns after the politically and economically bruised ...

New contract offers security for Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs workers ThePeterboroughExaminer.comNearly 50 employees at Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs have a new contract, and the union steward said she and her co-workers are astounded about it ...

The Windows 10 security guide: How to safeguard your business ZDNetHow do you configure Windows 10 PCs to avoid common security problems? There's no software magic bullet, unfortunately, and the tools are different for small ...

Man caught with loaded gun at Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoint Tribune-ReviewA Venango County man was caught Wednesday with a loaded gun at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Transportation Security Administration officers found a ...

Indane leaked millions of Aadhaar numbers: French security researcher Economic TimesA French researcher has claimed that he found a major security lapse that allegedly exposed millions of Aadhaar numbers of dealers and distributors associated ...

AIG visits Osun REC, promises adequate security The PunchJesusegun Alagbe and Bola Bamigbola, Osogbo The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone XI, comprising of Osun, Oyo and Ondo sta...

Business summit highlights state's budding cyber security, water industries Greater Baton Rouge Business ReportFollowing the keynote address from Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Statewide Business Summit wrapped with a segment, titled Bold New World, ...

UK security chiefs: Huawei risk in 5G can be contained The GuardianUK security chiefs have advised that the risk of using Huawei technology in the new superfast 5G could be contained despite US warnings about opening the ...

OP-ED: Cleaning out the Augean Stables of State Security Daily MaverickPresident Cyril Ramaphosa appears to have been taking significant though cautious steps to address what is clearly a national crisis. Can he clean up the ...

Turn on, tune in, drop out: Apple's whizz-bang T2 security chips hit a bum note for Mac audio The RegisterAudio professionals are complaining that the T2 security coprocessor in new Apple Mac models causes annoying audible glitches when using USB-connected ...

Can't support decision to withdraw security to separatists in Kashmir: Sajad Lone India TodayChairman of Peoples Conference and former minister Sajad Gani Lone Monday said he "cannot support" the decision to withdraw security to separatists in ...

WATCH: Bored of standing in queue, girl hops on X-ray security scanner for baggage Republic WorldAn online video from China shows a young girl, bored of waiting in line at a train station, sneaking through an X-Ray machine meant for baggage inspection.

Pulwama attack mastermind Abdul Rasheed Ghazi killed by security forces in Kashmir Economic TimesIn a big breakthrough, security forces gunned down top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, in a 12-hour-long encounter.

I-Team video: See how security breach happened at Hopkins Airport WJW FOX 8 News ClevelandCLEVELAND, Ohio -- The FOX 8 I-Team has now obtained video showing a suspected drunk driver on the airfield at Hopkins Airport. Video just released by City ...

Stop saying, ‘We take your privacy and security seriously’ TechCrunchIn my years covering cybersecurity, there's one variation of the same lie that floats above the rest. “We take your privacy and security seriously.” You might have ...

Pulwama attack: Congress alleges 'huge security lapses', asks PM Narendra Modi to 'walk the talk' Moneycontrol.comThe Congress in the last few days had avoided directly attacking the government after Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday that his party is not going to have any ...

YouTuber shot while filming security guard outside synagogue The VergeA YouTuber who films her own confrontations with law enforcement was shot yesterday while recording a security guard outside a Los Angeles synagogue and ...

India garners widespread support on Pak-sponsored terror at Munich Security Conference Economic TimesNEW DELHI: India received widespread support on the issue of Pak role in cross-border terror attacks including Pulwama strike at the Munich Security ...

Mindef launches recruitment hunt for cyber security specialists, sets up new cyber training school The Straits TimesSINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is on a recruitment hunt for cyber security specialists whose mission will be to beef up its cyber defences.

After Bomb Threat, Security Tightened In Maharashtra's Nashik NDTV NewsSecurity around several important places in Maharashtra's Nashik, including the railway station and Currency Note Press, has been tightened after police said ...

King County Metro Security Boss Arrested on Suspicion of Human Trafficking TheStranger.comThe head of security for King County Metro was arrested on suspicion of engaging in pimping and human trafficking.

MIT Technology Review: Although Touted for Security, Blockchain Is Still Hackable CointelegraphNews. MIT Technology Review magazine has published an article today, Feb. 19, arguing that security-touted blockchain tech is still vulnerable to hacks.

Argentina committed to international security by broadening defence cooperation with India: Mauricio Macri Economic TimesMauricio Macri, the Argentine President who is first foreign leader to visit India since the Pulwama attack tells ET's Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury in Delhi that ...

Rational Security: The 'Overcoats' Edition LawfarePresident Trump says his intelligence director is “not loyal” and may want to fire him. Trump administration officials pushed a plan to sell nuclear power plants to ...

Bharti Foundation to support education of children of security personnel martyred in Pulwama attack Economic TimesKolkata- Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Enterprises, has offered to undertake the education of children of the security ...

India Targets Cryptocurrency Crime аs Part оf Cyber Security Offensive CointelegraphNews. Cryptocurrency crime forms one focus of a dedicated cybercrime lab launched by Indian authorities this week, Indian daily news outlet The Hindu ...

Meghan Markle's 'SECRET' baby shower: HUGE security operation underway outside hotel ExpressSECURITY has been ramped up outside the hotel thought to where Meghan Markle's friends are throwing a baby shower for the Duchess of Sussex during her ...

'The Masked Singer' Reveals Show's Insane Security Measures to Protect 'Greatest Secret In TV History' TooFabThe only thing crazier than the very concept of "The Masked Singer" are the security protocols put in place to protect the identities of the mystery performers ...

I-TEAM: Attack in courtroom exposes security concerns at Cuyahoga County Justice Center WJW FOX 8 News ClevelandCLEVELAND -- The FOX 8 I-TEAM is giving the first look at a vicious attack on a defense attorney by an inmate in court, and the incident has exposed security ...

Delete Cookies: New-Age Diet or Common Sense Internet Security?

Internet Security Internet Security