When we browse the Internet we often come across pop-up notices that inform us about the use and storage of cookies in our browser. However, on many occasions we ignore this type of message without giving importance to either the information that is given to us or the type of cookies that we are accepting.
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To avoid encountering serious security and privacy problems, it is important to know what we are accepting. To do this, first of all we need to know: what are cookies?
A cookie is a file created by a website that contains mexico business email list small amounts of data. This data is sent between a sender, in this case the server where the website is hosted, and a receiver, that is, the browser you use to visit any website.
What is its purpose?
Cookies identify the user by storing their browsing history on the web. In this way, this information is used to show the user the content that best matches their tastes. Thus, each time a website is visited for the first time, a cookie is stored in the browser with information. Later, when the same page is visited again, the server requests the same cookie to personalize the user's visit.
In the case of e-commerce applications, they are also used to save items that are added to the shopping cart.
What types of cookies exist?
First, we find session cookies . They are the most commonly used and have a very short life span as they are deleted when the browser is closed.
Secondly, there are persistent cookies , which are used to track the user by retaining information related to their behavior on the website for a certain period of time.
On the other hand, there are secure cookies , which store encrypted information to prevent the data they store from being vulnerable to a malicious attack.
And finally, there are zombie cookies . This type of cookie recreates itself after being deleted. They are stored on the device and not in the browser, a feature that can make them a threat to the user's privacy and security and be used for illegitimate purposes.
Depending on the entity that manages these cookies, they can also be classified as first-party or third-party cookies . While, depending on their purpose, we will talk about technical cookies , analysis or measurement cookies , personalization or preferences cookies, advertising cookies or behavioral advertising cookies .
New Regulations
In 2020, the Spanish Data Protection Agency published a new cookie regulation that is important to know, especially for web developers and designers.
The legal obligations imposed by the regulations are twofold: informing the user and obtaining their consent. Thus, the new developments from a few months ago are:
Users must be provided with clear information about the use of data storage devices, as well as the purposes of data processing.
User consent must be obtained for the installation and use of cookies. To obtain this consent, different methods can be used, such as clicking on a section that indicates “I accept” or other synonyms.
Tips for proper use of cookies
To make good use of cookies it is important to follow some recommendations such as:
Delete cookies by clearing your browsing history at the end of your session.
Access your browser's privacy settings and modify the information tracked by cookies.
Avoid entering personal data in places where cookies can store it.
Do not leave any account or session open.
Always install a good security solution to control privacy.
Cookies are part of our daily lives and it is important to know how they work to avoid privacy problems. You can download the Guide on the use of Cookies in Spain from the Spanish Data Protection Agency here .