Often times when you browse or visit a website for the first time, you would always encounter a small popup asking you to accept cookies. No, this is not your favorite chocolate chip cookies but rather these cookies are tiny files which websites would send to your browser to get data which interacts between the server and device. The information that is stored in the cookies would depend on the information of which the website would like to keep. The information could be your IP address, your authentication data, saved preferences, activities that you do on the website, whether you are a first visitor or not and many more. There are different types of cookies. Session cookies would be terminated as soon as you close your browser. Persistent cookies on the other hand are different types of cookies which are stored on your device. For example, there are some sites that would suggest your email address as soon as you type the first letter of your email.
Cookies are often only shared between the server of your website and the device you used in visiting the site. Though this is the case, there are some who would be concerned about the websites that they visit that would obtain information through cookies. Moreover, some also are concerned about their online privacy and security being compromised.
Are Cookies a Threat to Your Privacy and Security?
Often times, cookies would get your personal data and then would share these information to targeted ads or they would sell your information to advertisers. Once the information is already with the advertisers, you would not be able to control it anymore and neither the website that you have visited. Worse, your information could be shared without your knowledge or consent.
Do you wonder why the ads that you see displayed on the web pages are those which you are somewhat interested in? The reason why this is happening is because of cookies. Also, when you click on the ad, the advertiser would record your online activities. Though this is the case, advertisers or online marketers are not really your greatest threat. In fact, your greatest threat would be hackers who are able to get into your device. They could access your cookie information which could include all the websites that you have visited and your login details. What is more disturbing, is that if the hacker is able to get the right information, they could use your online banking. This could be done through phishing attacks.
With all the mentioned risks and possibilities, you might ask if there is a way for you to be more secured and for all of your data or information be kept private. Do not worry as through this article, we shall provide you ways which you could use as a guide.
Disabling and Deleting Cookies
One easy way to have better privacy is by disabling and deleting your cookies after browsing. Take note that by disabling all your cookies, this might cause for some of the websites to malfunction which could make browsing a bit problematic and annoying. Hence, we suggest that instead of blocking all the cookies, allow cookies only for the website that you are visiting, then, disable cookies for the rest.
Using VPN to Take Back Control of Your Privacy from Cookies
Though the method above is effective, you might also want to ensure that you have upmost level of vigilance and another way to do this is through the use of a VPN. A VPN is a powerful online tool which ensures privacy and security which has the ability to hide your IP address and disconnect your identity from the cookies which websites often create. Moreover, through a VPN, it would be close to impossible for anyone to be able to track your online activity.
There are numerous VPN service providers. However, only high-quality VPNs are the only ones that could provide you high level of privacy and security which means before subscribing to a VPN service provider, we highly suggest that you research and ensure that the VPN service provider that you will choose is highly reliable and trustworthy.
Recommended VPN Browser Extensions
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best and popular VPN service providers. It offers impressive browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Safari. It features includes kill switch, DNS leak protection. It also has the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN comes with about 1500 servers which are located in about 90 plus countries.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is based in Canada and it is well-known for its impressive performance. It is easy to use and its interface is perfect even for beginners. For you to be able to use its browser extension, all you have to do is install the extension on your Opera or Chrome browser and sign up with your email address. TunnelBear has about 20 locations which includes US, Hong Kong, Europe, India and Mexico.
The only downside of TunnelBear is that it has a cap data of 500MB for those who have chosen to use its standard free plan.
Windscribe
Windscribe offers browser extensions which comes with impressive features. It does not require for its users to sign up and you will be able to access about 2 GB data every month, if you have decided to choose a username. If you wish for more access, you could provide your email and you will be able to get about 10GB. Windscribe is known for their fast servers and their ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
HotSpot Shield Free
This VPN is also well-known in the VPN industry. It comes with Chrome and Firefox extensions which are offered for free. Its free version provides 750MB daily. Though its performance is not at par with the others that are listed in this article, it is easily accessible. In fact, for you to be able to use this VPN, you would not need to even register.
ZenMate
ZenMate is based in Germany. It has about 41 million subscribers. It offers Opera, Firefox and Chrome browser extensions. For you to use this VPN, you will have to register. They have four server locations – Romania, Germany, Hong Kong and US. ZenMate is easy to use as well.
Conclusion
We hope that through this article, you were able to get useful information which you could use as a guide about cookies.
