HTTP cookies help give consumers personalized and convenient website visits. Specifically, cookies are small data text files that are placed on a computer or mobile device by a website. They remember a user's login name and password, preferred language, font size, and other personal settings. This allows the user to visit a website without having to re-enter information every single time. Cookies also track website visits, so that businesses and companies can see which pages are being viewed the most and make changes accordingly.
Cookies are generally harmless, but they do track a user's movements and personal information across the web and use the information to build a profile of their interests. For this reason, many people choose to disable cookies on their computer or mobile device to maintain their privacy and safety of information on the internet. However, disabling cookies can also mean that some websites will not work properly or give you the best optimization.
Ideally, cookies should be used in a responsible way so that they provide website users with a personalized and convenient experience while also protecting their privacy.
How are cookies used?
Cookies are used to store information about users, such as their preferences and activity, so that websites can provide more personalized experiences for them.
Are cookies secure?
Yes, cookies are generally considered secure since they are encrypted and only contain small amounts of data. However, it is important to be aware of any security risks associated with the particular website you are visiting.
Fun Fact:
"Cookies are used by 92% of websites to track user activity and personalize content" (VentureBeat, 2019).