Traditionally the first thing that comes to mind is chocolate chip, oatmeal and the ever famous thin mint. But really, what is a cookie?  Cookies are referenced by various names, tracking cookie, HTTP cookie, and browser cookie. A cookie is stored on a user’s computer by a web browser like Firefox or Internet Explorer. It is a text file that is stored as plain text and consists of one or more name-value pairs which contain bits of information that may or may not be encrypted for information privacy and data security. Cookies are not executable files thus they cannot replicate themselves and are not viruses. However, cookies can be used as spyware due to the way the browser is set to read cookies. That’s why when a scanner like Malwarebytes scans a system a warning could appear that a tracking cookie was found and should be deleted. Most browsers give you the choice whether you will accept cookies, how long you will store them or if reject them all together. Now, why are they necessary? Cookies were created as a way to allow a user to have stored browsing information on the local computer. For example, if you are shopping on a web site and you have a shopping cart, all of the items in your cart are saved as a cookie on your computer. If you decide to close the browser and go back to that shopping cart the items previously selected will still be there. Why, because cookies are enabled in the browser. A cookie will also remember information about user’s preferences when visiting a site. It is perfectly ok to allow cookies in your browser but as always run anti-spyware software such as Malwarebytes to keep your cookies clean.

Christina Ramos
Chair California Clarion
clarion@californiadar.org