If you spend any time online, you’ve probably seen pop-ups or messages about websites using cookies. But what exactly are cookies, and is it safe to allow them?
Simply put, cookies are small pieces of data that your web browser stores when you visit a website. They play an important role in making the internet work smoothly, helping sites remember your preferences and keeping you logged in. But while cookies are useful, they can also pose serious privacy and security risks if not handled properly.
Cookies can give businesses insight into your online activity, which is why they’re so valuable. But beyond privacy concerns, unprotected cookies can be manipulated by attackers and used to launch serious cyberattacks.
Any cookie related to authentication should always be transmitted securely, but that is not always the case. One example is cookies without a security flag. When a cookie is not set with the Secure flag, it can be transmitted over unencrypted HTTP connections, making it vulnerable to interception. When a cookie is set with the Secure flag, it instructs the browser to send the cookie only over secure HTTPS connections. If the Secure flag is not set, an attacker monitoring network traffic could easily capture the cookie and use it to gain unauthorized access. One of the most basic ways to prevent cookie theft and session hijacking is by checking URLs. Make sure websites are using HTTPS to ensure all your session traffic is encrypted with SSL/TLS. Most websites today use HTTPS encryption, but it’s always best to double-check, especially when entering personal data.
Hackers often go after passwords, but stealing cookies can be just as effective. If a cybercriminal gets access to your cookies, they can load them into their own browser and instantly access your online accounts – no login needed. That means your email, social media, and even shopping accounts could be compromised in seconds.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by regularly clearing your cookies. Cybersecurity experts recommend doing this every 7 to 14 days. It’s also smart to avoid saving credit card information on any site you don’t fully trust. Keep in mind, deleting cookies does mean you’ll need to re-enter your login info next time you visit a site, but that small inconvenience is worth the added layer of security.
With Range’s Ultimate Wi-Fi program, you get built-in protection that helps keep your personal information safe. It includes advanced network-level security that works around the clock to block malicious websites, viruses, and intrusions before they ever reach your devices.
Ready to get protected?
Call Range’s Customer Relations Team at 800-927-2643 or learn more about Ultimate Wi-Fi at:
🔗 range.net/residential/ultimate-wi-fi
Want to learn more about how cookies work?
Check out this blog post we shared last winter:
🔗 Understanding Cookies on Your Computer
