What is a cookie? A cookie is a small text file, generally consisting of identifiers, website names, letters and numbers, to which the user, when browsing the web page through a web browser (eg: Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc.), it may or may not allow it to be installed by storage on the computer, mobile terminal or other equipment used by it. The cookie file is “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses or spyware and cannot access the information on the user’s hard drive).

What are cookies used for? These files make it possible to recognize the user’s terminal and present to him a content adapted to his preferences. Cookies provide the user with a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of YAS BEAUTY COSMETICS SRL to offer comfortable services to the user, such as: online privacy preferences, the shopping cart or relevant advertising. Cookies are used in the preparation of aggregate anonymous statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content.

What cookies do we use? We use two types of cookies:

  • session files – temporary files that remain in the user’s terminal until the browsing session is closed or the application (web browser) is closed
  • persistent – ​​files that remain in the user’s terminal for a period defined by the parameters of that cookie or until they are manually deleted by the user.

How are cookies used by this site? A visit to this site may place the following types of cookies, depending on the consent expressed by the user:

  • Website performance cookies;
  • Visitor analysis cookies;
  • Registration cookies;
  • Cookies for advertising;
  • Advertising provider cookies.

Cookies that, from a technical point of view, are not required to be stored on the user’s terminal, will be used only if the user expresses his express and unequivocal consent in relation to them. The user can withdraw his consent at any time by changing the settings of the browser used.

You can find details on changing the browser settings on the websites of the browser developers shown below: * Google Chrome * Mozilla Firefox * Microsoft Edge * Microsoft Internet Explorer * Opera * Apple Safari

If the browser is not found in the list above, please visit the website of the respective browser’s developer.

Do cookies contain personal data?

In most cases, cookies do not directly identify Internet users, but the terminal from which they accessed certain web pages. These data are encrypted in a way that does not allow unauthorized access by third parties.

Retention and deletion of cookies

In general, an application used to access web pages allows cookies to be saved on the user’s terminal by default. These settings can be modified by the user so that the automatic management of cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed every time cookies are sent to his terminal.

Security and privacy issues

Cookies are not viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed or auto-run. Consequently, they cannot be duplicated or replicated on other networks to run or replicate again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.

Cookies can still be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about the preferences and browsing history of users, both on a specific site and on several other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and constantly mark cookies to be deleted during anti-virus/anti-spyware deletion/scanning procedures.

In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a certain site.

Other security aspects related to cookies

 

Since identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what possible problems cookies can create. Because through them, information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes during data transmission, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted.

Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (ex: an unsecured WiFi network

Other cookie-based attacks involve missetting cookies on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. The attackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most suitable method of personal information protection.

Tips for safe and responsible browsing, based on cookies.

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, they are almost unavoidable. Deactivating cookies will not allow the user access to the most widespread and used sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.

Here are some tips that can ensure that you browse without worries, but with the help of cookies:

  • Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level of cookie security for you.
  • If you don’t mind cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration periods for storing browsing history and personal access data.
  • If you share access to the computer, you may consider setting your browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close the browser. This is an option to access the sites that place cookies and to delete any visit information at the end of the browsing session.
  • Install and constantly update your antispyware applications.
  • Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of attacks on websites. Thus, it prevents the browser from accessing websites that could exploit the vulnerabilities of the browser or download dangerous software.
  • Make sure your browser is always updated.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and biggest sites on the Internet – local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can surf the Internet with confidence.

Disabling and refusing to receive cookies can make certain websites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive/see online advertising.

It is possible to set the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted or you can set the browser to accept cookies from a specific site. But, for example, if you are not registered using cookies, you will not be able to leave comments.

All modern browsers offer the possibility to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser.

To understand these settings, the following links may be useful, otherwise you can use the “help” option of the browser for more details.

Cookie settings in Internet Explorer

Cookie settings in Firefox