私は2週間以上のクッキーをクリアしないことがありません。

Quick Links What are Cookies? Types of Cookies Security Risks of Cookies Phishing Techniques Used by Some Shopping Sites Reasons to Clear Cookies Regularly Disadvantages of Clearing Cookies

I used to ignore cookies. Now, I clear them every two weeks – it changed how I think about online privacy. Cookies have uses, but here's why managing them is important.

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What are Cookies?

A small block of data that websites save on your computer. Yes, these cookies can't be eaten, but they improve website functionality, optimize browsing, and optimize.

While browsing websites, cookies save data like your preferences, login data, items in your shopping cart, and more. They remember everything, so when you return, your shopping cart is filled without starting from scratch. However, the technology to fill the shopping cart also has its darker side.

There are Various Types of Cookies

Browser cookies are like different flavors of ice cream, with various types. Session cookies exist for just one session and are deleted when the browser is closed (or when the session expires). On the other hand, persistent cookies can last for days, months, or even years.

Third-party cookies (also called tracking cookies) are a type of cookie used to build a profile of a user's behavior and preferences. This information includes not only the websites you've visited and the duration of your visit, but also the products you've clicked or purchased, your search history, device information (including geographic information).

Tracking cookies exist to collect data for targeted advertising, analysis, and individualized user experiences. They are usually set by third-party ad networks. All this data is typically saved under a unique identifier used to identify individual users. Fortunately, many browsers allow you to block tracking cookies.

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I am privacy-conscious, and I don't want to be tracked or have my browsing history recorded for advertising purposes. There are also security risks associated with cookies.

Online tracking goes beyond cookies. Browser fingerprints are also used to identify you.

Security Risks of Cookies

Cookies themselves are not malicious, but risks do exist. If website owners and developers do not manage cookies properly, several security risks can arise.

Cookies that are not properly configured can be compromised through a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM attack), where a hacker captures cookies during data transfer between the browser and the website. This can lead to theft of login tokens and other sensitive information, such as passwords. With access to these tokens, hackers can gain access to accounts without needing passwords.

Cookie poisoning is a real issue that can be executed through an MITM attack. Hackers use malicious JavaScript to directly change cookie values in users' browsers or exploit cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities to steal cookie information. An example of cookie poisoning in e-commerce fraud is when a hacker changes the total amount in a shopping cart from $200 to $20, causing the website to process the transaction at a lower price, thereby gaining an advantage.

Session hijacking is a common method used by hackers to intercept or steal session cookies. This allows hackers to impersonate you on websites and gain access to your account and confidential information. Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication is a good security practice, but this method can bypass both. I try to use HTTPS as much as possible, which encrypts internet connections and protects against some of these security risks.

Tricks Used by Some Shopping Sites with Sneaky Cookies

I mentioned that third-party ad networks use tracking cookies to learn about user behavior. But that's not all. Some e-commerce platforms use cookies to implement dynamic pricing strategies. This means that product prices can vary based on factors such as location, browsing behavior, device type, and more. For example, if you repeatedly visit a hotel booking page, cookies may indicate your high level of interest in the site, and the price may increase the next time you visit.

Actually, I experienced dynamic pricing while observing flight tickets. After checking the tickets on my smartphone, I changed my location to Brazil using a VPN and cleared the cookies before accessing the website again. The ticket price was almost 20% lower! This 'personalized pricing' is a tool to cut trust and increase the benefits from cookies, rather than improve user experience.

People who frequently shop online can level the playing field by clearing their cookies. It's like cleaning a mirror that shows how online marketing companies are viewing you. Additionally, you can shop in private mode, preventing cookies from tracking repeated visits and allowing you to compare prices across different devices. As I mentioned