What Makes a Cookie a Spyware Cookie?
Posted on August 31, 2008
Internet Cookies -
The main use of cookies is to remember user preferences and customize the users browsing experience. When you visit a website, you may be asked to fill out a form providing information, such as name, email address, interests, etc... This information can be packaged as a cookie and stored on your machine by your web browser for later use. The next time you go to the same website, the server can ask the web browser to retrieve information from the cookie. The server can take the information gathered from the cookie to present a custom web browsing experience for you, save passwords and remember your preferences.
Helpful cookies generally store only pertinent information necessary to make your browsing experience better and they generally go inactive (expire) after a short time. Some helpful websites will ask for your consent before placing the cookie on your machine. For example, Would you like us to remember your preferences?
Spyware Cookies -
A spyware cookie is any cookie that crosses the line from helpful to intrusive. The primary use for spyware cookies is to gather user data, personal information and online habits. Websites using spyware cookies often have (formal or informal) agreements with each other to share the data they gather among their different sites. For example, when you surf to www.ilovespywarecookies.com if they are a spyware site; they may share the information gathered (without your knowledge) with a partner site, say www.ilovespywarecookiestoo.com. This data can be sold to other companies or marketing firms. It can be used to target pop-ups or other Internet advertising to specific demographic groups. When personal data is gathered, it can even be used to target spam campaigns.
Spyware cookies may also record all information you enter into an online form while surfing a spyware website. Most people are wise enough not to spill out personal data online, but over time spyware websites can use cookies to help them gather and compile all sorts of intrusive data about youmuch like someone going through your garbage can on a regular basis.
Handling Cookies -
Since deleting all of your cookies can delete passwords and make it more difficult to access websites youve already visited and rob you of the benefits of good cookies, a more convenient method of cookie deletion is to utilize an antispyware program like StopSign Internet Security. StopSign only identifies and deletes spyware cookies on your computer and leaves the harmless cookies, which can make surfing more convenient, alone.
If you do not yet own an antispyware program that can identify and delete only spyware cookies, you may follow the below instructions to remove all of your cookies. Please be aware that this provides only a temporary solution and be sure you understand the risks before proceeding:
Deleting Cookies in Internet Explorer 6:
1. Open Internet Explorer 6.0.
\r 2. Click on Tools.
\r 3. In the Internet Options dialog box, on the General Tab, click Delete Cookies.
\r 4. In the warning dialog box, click yes.
\r 5. From the Internet Options dialog box, click OK
Deleting Cookies in Internet Explorer 7:
1. Open Internet Explorer 7.0.
\r 2. Click on Tools.
\r 3. Select Delete Browsing History.
\r 4. Click on the Delete Cookies button.
\r 5. You will receive a message asking you if you are sure you would like to delete all cookies, click YES.
\r 6. Then click close to close Delete Browsing History box.
Deleting Cookies in Mozilla Firefox:
1. Open the Firefox browser.
\r 2. Click on Tools.
\r 3. Select Clear Private Data.
\r 4. Put a check in the Cookies check-box.
\r 5. Hit the Clear Private Data Now button.
Jason Dick is an Internet Security Specialist. Mr. Dick is a Tier-3 certified antivirus technician with extensive experience creating customized antivirus solutions for new and resistant spyware and virus infections. In addition, he has spent several years consulting with the average home computer user helping them get the most from their Internet Security Software. He is currently writing a number of articles regarding responsible computer use, internet security, spyware and virus trends and other pertinent technology news to share his knowledge and expertise.To read more of Jason\'s articles visit: http://home.stopsign.com
What is Internet Cookie - Session, Permanent and Malicious Cookie?
If you think back to the first time that you were offered a cookie from a web site, you may remember your surprise. You may have wondered what a cooki...
The Dangers Of Spyware
Spyware. It is a word that every PC user has heard countless times. However, many do not really understand what it is and what to do about it.In short...
5 Simple Effective Ways to Get Rid of Popups on Your Computer
In this article I will be discussing how to get rid of popups easily on your computer.Using my PC is usually a productive, fun and efficient way to co...
Can Unwanted Ads Harm Your Computer?
Most people are now familiar with the threat that viruses pose to their PCs, but an invasion of another type of unwanted software, commonly referred t...
What A Spyware Can Do And How To Stop Spyware
Here is the list of dangerous things a spyware or ad-ware can doa. Spyware can track your online purchase and also your credit card numberb. some spy...
The Danger of Using the Same Password For All Websites
With most businesses moving towards the Internet, it is very common for one to have multiple online accounts. You might have online accounts for your ...
Getting Your Spyware Remover Online - Should You Trust A Pop-up Ad?
There are some very serious questions you should always ask yourself before you make any decision online. And most of all before you choose to downloa...
Spyware - A Much Bigger Threat to Your PC Security than Viruses
Most PC security experts agree that the problem of computer viruses is now largely under control. The most common viruses on the internet are more tha...
How To Protect Your Mac From Spyware And Adware
Mac users should never accept to be fooled into believing that they are safe or immune from the ravages of Spyware and Adware.Why else would mac Spywa...
Spyware Removal - 3 Tips To Actually Prevent Spyware
Besides the regular viruses, spyware has become an important, but often underestimated internet threat. Although a decent Anti Spyware solution will d...
What You Can Do Immediately About Spyware
Research figures on the number of computers infested by Spyware are alarming to say the least. They say that 9 out of every 10 computers have been inf...
Spyware Fears: Research Shows 30 Per Cent Will Use Internet Less
It seems that the spyware threat has finally started sinking in for many computer users and according to a recent survey undertaken by Consumer Report...
Spyware Detection Horrifying Statistics: Only One Computer In Every 10 In The World Is Spyware Free
Rather than waste a lot of time agonizing as to whether or not you have Spyware in your computer, the best detection strategy is to assume that you do...
How To Tell When Your Computer Is Infected With Spyware - And What To Do About It
Spyware can cause some very serious problems for your computer. Almost always running, Spyware uses your computer's resources that should be better s...
Identify The Real Spyware Terminators
Every computer user should be able to quickly identify the best and most reliable defense available against spyware or in other words the most effecti...
» Filed Under
Network Security Information