In exploring cyberspace, sometimes we visit a page or website many times. For example, when we visit a website that requires a username and password to be able to access the website. In this case, it is cookies that function to store memory to access the website address. In this article, we will discuss what cookies are and what they do.
What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a term that refers to a collection of information and data files that contain a track record or activity. When you visit a website, the website will send a cookie to your computer or device. Your computer device will save it in a file located in your browser.
Basically, Cookies do not transfer any viruses or malware to your computer. Because the data in the cookie doesn’t change. Cookies also don’t affect the way your computer runs. Cookies act like logs (i.e. record user activity and remember complete information) and will be updated each time you visit the website. Cookies will also save the website settings you visit.
According to Google, a cookie is a file created by the site you visit. Its purpose is to make your online activities easier by saving your browsing information. With cookies, sites keep you logged in, remember your site preferences, and provide localized content relevant to you.
It was further explained that there are 2 types of cookies that currently exist, namely:
1. First-party cookies are created by the sites you visit. The site is shown in the URL field.
2. Third-party cookies are set by other sites. This site has some content, such as advertisements or images, that you see on the pages that you visit.
Cookies also function to send information to the owner of the website you are visiting in the form of the identity of website visitors such as country of origin, IP address, type of device, and so on. The website owner will get information about you by accessing cookies sent by the website. Several types of cookies track various activities. For example, session cookies are used when someone is actively browsing a site. As soon as you leave the site, the session cookie will disappear.
What is the function of a cookie?
As mentioned above, cookies will store some basic information such as the country of origin of the visitor, and the type of device that will be used to analyze how visitors use the website. Website owners can track with the aim of improving website performance and functionality. This aims to provide the best experience in accessing the website to customers and be able to identify and fix any problems that may arise.
Another use of cookies is to store your login session, which means that when you log in to the Member Login (member login), a “session cookie” is set in such a way that the website can remember that you are logged in. If the website does not set this cookie, you will be asked to log in with your password on every new page.
In addition, functional cookies are used to enable website owners to remember your preferences and identify you as a user, ensuring your information is secure.
Here is a summary of some of the functions of cookies:
- Verifies identity and detects the country of the website visitor
- Check the type of browser and access device
- Traces which site the user came from
- Allows third parties to modify content
This is information related to what cookies are and their functions. Basically, a website’s cookies are harmless, but you still have to be wary of irresponsible parties. Such parties may jeopardize your security and privacy. For example, if you access a website and save your username and password in a cookie, then your device (mobile phone or laptop) is lost or accessed by an irresponsible person, then he or she will misuse your personal information to harm you. So…, stay alert with your personal information.