What is a “cookie”?
An “Internet Cookie” (also known as a “browser cookie”, “HTTP cookie”, or simply “cookie”) is a small file consisting of letters and numbers that will be stored on the computer, mobile terminal, or other equipment of a user accessing the Internet. The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).
Purpose and Use of Cookies
enafotovoltaic.com uses cookies only to improve navigation on the online site. They do not contain personal data. According to OUG 13/2012, site visitors express their consent for the use of cookies through their personal browser settings. Visitors to www.enafotovoltaic.com are informed about the use of cookies through a banner on the Home page. Visitors express their consent regarding this aspect by clicking the “Accept” button in the notification and by continuing to use the site.
For more information about cookies and their influence on internet navigation, you can visit www.aboutcookies.org.
The site www.enafotovoltaic.com installs cookies only to allow the improvement of the functions offered, so that the experience of visiting the site becomes more pleasant. www.enafotovoltaic.com does not use cookies to collect, process, disseminate, or record personal data.
Cookies play an important role in facilitating access and delivery of multiple services that the user enjoys on the Internet, such as personalizing certain settings like:
- The language in which a site is viewed;
- Accessing old preferences by clicking the “Forward” and “Back” buttons.
- Cookies provide site owners with feedback on how their sites are used by users, so they can make them more efficient and accessible for users;
- They allow multimedia or other applications from other sites to be included in a particular site to create a more valuable, useful, and pleasant browsing experience;
- They improve the efficiency of online advertising.
What are the advantages of cookies?
A cookie contains information that links a web browser (user) to a specific web server (website). If a browser accesses that web server again, it can read the already stored information and react accordingly. Cookies ensure users a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of many websites to provide comfortable services to users: e.g., online privacy preferences, site language options, relevant advertising.
What is the lifespan of a cookie?
Cookies are managed by web servers. The lifespan of a cookie can vary significantly, depending on the purpose for which it is placed. Some cookies are used exclusively for a single session (session cookies) and are not retained once the user leaves the website, while other cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to that website (“persistent cookies”). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time through browser settings.
What are third-party cookies?
Certain sections of content on some sites may be provided through third parties/providers (e.g., a news box, a video, or an advertisement). These third parties can place cookies through another website, and they are called “third-party cookies” because they are not placed by the owner of the respective website. Third-party providers must also comply with the law in force and the privacy policies of the site owner.
How are cookies used by the website?
A visit to the website may place cookies for purposes of:
- Increasing website performance;
- Analyzing visitors;
- Registering users.
Other third-party cookies
On some pages, third parties may set their own anonymous cookies, to track the success of an application or to customize an application. Due to the way it is used, the website cannot access these cookies, just as third parties cannot access the cookies owned by the respective website. For example, when a user shares an article using the social network button on a website, that social network will record the user’s activity, not the website on which the button is located.
What type of information is stored and accessed through cookies?
Cookies keep information in a small text file that allows a website to recognize a browser. The web server will recognize the browser until the cookie expires or is deleted. The cookie stores important information that improves the Internet browsing experience, for example: the language settings in which a site is desired to be accessed.
Why are cookies important for the Internet?
Cookies represent the central point of the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience adapted to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies can make some websites impossible to use. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that the user will no longer receive online advertising – but only that it will no longer be able to take into account the user’s preferences and interests, highlighted by browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require user authentication through an account):
- Content and services tailored to user preferences – categories of news, weather, sports, maps, public and government services, entertainment sites, and tourism services;
- Offers tailored to user interests – remembering passwords, language preferences (e.g., displaying search results in Romanian);
- Retaining child protection filters regarding Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions);
- Measurement, optimization, and analytics features – such as confirming a certain level of traffic on a website, what type of content is viewed, and how a user arrives at a website (e.g., through search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Website owners carry out these analyses to improve websites for the benefit of users.
Security and privacy issues
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed, nor can they run automatically. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate on other networks to run or replicate again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses. However, cookies can be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a specific website and on other websites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and, in constant procedures of deleting/scanning anti-virus/anti-spyware, mark cookies to be deleted. Generally, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a certain site.
Other security issues related to cookies
Since the protection of identity is very valuable and represents the right of every Internet user, it is advisable to know what potential problems cookies can create.
Because through them, information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the data transmission, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted. Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g., an unsecured WiFi network).
Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on web servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain sites.
It is very important for users to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method of protecting personal information.
Tips for safe and responsible browsing based on cookies
Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited websites, including the largest ones, use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow user access to the most widespread and used sites, including: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure you navigate without worries, but with the help of cookies:
- Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level for you of cookie security;
- If you do not mind cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration terms for storing browsing history and personal access data;
- If you share access to the computer, you can consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close the browser. This is a way to access websites that place cookies and delete any visit information at the end of the browsing session;
- Install and constantly update antispyware applications. Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include detecting attacks on websites. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software;
- Make sure you have your browser always updated. Many of the cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting the weaknesses of old browser versions.
Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest websites on the Internet – local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can confidently browse the Internet.
How to proceed if you do not want cookies to be installed on your computer?
There are people for whom storing information extracted from their computer or mobile device is relatively invasive, especially when the information in question is stored and used by unknown third parties. If you prefer, you have the possibility to block all cookies or only some of them or even to remove cookies that have been installed on your terminal. Be aware, however, that you risk not being able to use certain functions. To enable this block, you need to change the privacy settings of your browser. Some third-party operators have developed tools whose modules allow the deactivation of data collection and use. Disabling and refusing to receive cookies can make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that the user will no longer receive/see online advertising. It is possible to set the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted, or the browser can be set to accept cookies from a specific website. All modern browsers offer the possibility to change cookie settings.
These settings are usually found in the “Options” or “Preferences” menu of your browser.