Quick Tip: Review Browser Cookie Settings

It’s National Cookie Day. That makes it a great day for this quick tip: Review your browser’s cookie settings and delete unwanted cookies. Since cookies can track you, they can intrude on privacy and online security. That’s why you should review them periodically.

BTW, this is a quick tip reminding you to check your cookies settings. Each browser has its own way to manage cookies, so I’ve provided links below to specifics on some popular browsers. You can find instructions at those links, or search for “manage cookies” for your specific browser.

In any case, the quick tip is this: Review cookie settings on your browser.

What are cookies?

In the kitchen, cookies are tasty baked goods.

In computers, cookies are files downloaded when you visit most websites. They’re used for temporary tracking in general as well as long-term tracking. Cookies are useful, but they can intrude on privacy, too.

What are third-party cookies

Cookies have a domain setting. If a cookie’s domain setting doesn’t match the the site your viewing, it’s considered a third-party cookie. These can be useful, but they have a higher risk. Generally, avoid or delete third-party cookies.

Deleting Cookies Can Log You Off

Be careful. When you delete cookies for a site, you might have to log in again when you return. Some sites store useful information in cookies, and those sites might change when you return after deleting cookies. Make sure you have log in credentials for sites you need.

How to Manage Cookies and Privacy

Here are a few routine steps to reduce unwanted cookies and improve browsing privacy:

• Regularly review and manage cookies.
• Use private mode.

Review and Manage Cookies in Popular Browsers

Cookies are very often useful and safe, so you shouldn’t block all cookies. Here are some general guidelines:

• Keep cookies for sites where you regularly log in like social media and shopping sites.
• Delete or block cookies from sites you don’t know about.
• Think twice about saving cookies for financial sites like banks. If your computer is lost or stolen, the cookies could keep you logged in for anybody who gets access to your browser.

Manage Cookies in Chrome

Here’s how to manage cookies in Chrome.

Manage Cookies in Safari

Apple doesn’t have a single page for managing cookies. Here’s a link to search Apple support for your device.

Manage Cookies in Edge

Here’s how to manage cookies in Microsoft Edge.

Manage Cookies in Firefox

Here’s how to manage cookies in Firefox.

Use Incognito or Private Mode

A general rule for better privacy is to use a private browser window routinely when you don’t need to log in. Each browser is different, but private mode usually deletes the private window’s history and cookies when the private window is closed.

Incognito in Chrome

Here’s how to open a private window in Chrome.

Private Browsing in Safari

Apple doesn’t have a single page for private browsing. Here’s a link to search Apple support for your device.

Private Mode in Edge

Here’s how to use private mode in Edge.

Private Mode in Firefox

Here’s how to use private mode in Firefox.

Conclusion

It’s National Cookie Day, so this is your yearly reminder to improve your privacy by reviewing your cookie settings. Follow the links above for details about different browsers.

Call (813) 605-7251 or contact us about automating and managing your company’s cybersecurity. This include browser settings, privacy, and cookies.