What are Cookies?
A cookie is a small file, made up of letters and numbers, that is stored on the user’s computer, mobile device, or other equipment used to access the internet. The cookie is installed at the request of a web server to a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely passive (it does not contain software, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).
What are Cookies used for?
These files make it possible to recognize the user’s device and present content in a relevant way, adapted to their preferences. Cookies ensure a pleasant browsing experience and support our efforts to provide comfortable services to users.
What types of Cookies do we use?
We use two types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are temporary files that remain on the user’s device until the session ends or the web browser is closed. Persistent cookies remain stored on the user’s device for a duration defined by the cookie parameters or until manually deleted by the user.
Examples of cookies used by www.halsmob.ro
| COOKIE | PROVIDER | GENERAL PURPOSE | COOKIE LIFETIME |
| _gat_gtag_UA_ | Google Analytics | This cookie collects information about how users interact with the website. | 1 minute |
| _ga | Google Analytics | This cookie is used to distinguish users. It is updated each time data is sent to Google Analytics. | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | This cookie is used to distinguish users. It is updated each time data is sent to Google Analytics. | 24 hours |
For complete information regarding cookie files, you can visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
What are the purposes of using cookies on our websites?
Cookies are used to provide users of these websites with a better browsing experience and services tailored to the individual needs and interests of each user, such as:
– Customizing certain settings like the language in which a website is viewed, the currency in which prices and fees are displayed, and retaining preferences for various products/services in the shopping cart/forms.
– Improving website functionality, including identifying certain errors that occur during user visits or interactions.
– Providing anonymous statistics regarding how these websites are used by [site], as the website owner.
– Anticipating certain goods/services that will be made available to users in the future through these web pages.
How are cookies used by our websites?
By using or visiting our website, the following types of cookies may be placed:
– Essential cookies or website performance cookies
– Analytics/statistical cookies
– Geotargeting cookies
– Registration cookies
– Marketing/advertising cookies
Essential cookies or website performance cookies
These cookies store the preferences of website users so that settings do not need to be reconfigured with each visit.
User Analytics / Statistics Cookies
These cookies inform us whether a user has previously visited our website. They are used strictly for statistical purposes.
If you have previously registered, we may recognize details you have provided, such as your email address or username – this information is subject to confidentiality and protected by our Privacy Policy and the applicable data protection legislation.
Geotargeting Cookies
These are used by software that determines the user’s country of origin. The same advertisements will be shown regardless of the selected language.
Registration Cookies
When you register on our websites, we generate a cookie that lets us know whether you are registered or not. Our servers use these cookies to identify your account and whether you have permission for a specific service.
They also allow us to associate any comment you post on our websites with your username.
If you did not select “Stay logged in”, this cookie will be automatically deleted when you close the browser or your computer.
Marketing / Advertising Cookies
These cookies help us determine whether you have seen an online advertisement, what type of ad it was, and how long it has been since you saw the advertisement.
They are also used for online advertising targeting. We may also use third-party cookies for more effective ad targeting.
These cookies are anonymous and do not store user information, only data about the content viewed.
Do Cookies Contain Personal Data?
Cookies themselves do not request personal data in order to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify internet users. Personal data collected through the use of cookies is only collected to enable certain functionalities for the user. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes unauthorized access impossible.
Deleting Cookies
By default, most applications used to access web pages allow cookies to be stored on the device. These settings can be changed so that the automatic management of cookies is blocked by the web browser, or the user is notified each time cookies are sent to their device. Detailed information about cookie management options can be found in your browser’s settings section. Restricting the use of cookies may affect certain functionalities of the website.
All modern browsers offer the option to modify cookie settings. These settings are usually found under “Options” or “Preferences” in your browser menu.
- Cookie settings for Google Chrome
- Cookie settings for Mozilla Firefox
- Cookie settings for Apple Safari
- Cookie settings for Microsoft Internet Explorer
Since the installation of third-party cookies and other tracking systems cannot be technically controlled by the site owner (———-), any specific reference to such cookies or third-party tracking systems is indicative only.
Why Are Cookies Important for the Internet?
Cookies are essential for the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to create a user-friendly browsing experience tailored to each individual’s preferences and interests. Rejecting or disabling cookies may render some websites unusable. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising, only that it will no longer be personalized based on your browsing behavior.
Security and Privacy Concerns
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats and are not made up of code segments, so they cannot be executed or self-run. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate themselves across networks to execute or replicate again. Since they do not perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses. However, cookies can be used for malicious purposes. Because they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history – both on a specific site and across multiple websites – cookies can be used as a form of spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this and regularly flag cookies for deletion during anti-virus/anti-spyware scans.
Most browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, expiration periods, and automatic deletion after the user visits a site. Other security-related aspects of cookies include:
Since identity protection is highly valuable and a right for every internet user, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems cookies can cause. Because data is constantly exchanged between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intercepts the transmission, the information contained in the cookie may be captured.
Although 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 servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers may exploit this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending data over unsecured connections. The attackers then use this information to gain unauthorized access to certain websites. It is very important to choose the most appropriate method of protecting personal information.
Tips for safe and responsible browsing with cookies.
Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest websites use cookies, they are virtually unavoidable. Disabling cookies will prevent access to popular websites such as YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.
Here are some tips to ensure worry-free browsing while still using cookies:
Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a level of comfort and security that suits you.
If cookies don’t bother you and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration periods for storing your browsing history and login data.
If you share access to the computer, consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data every time you close the browser. This allows you to access websites that place cookies and automatically delete any visit data at the end of the session.
Install and regularly update antispyware applications.
Many spyware detection and prevention tools include website attack detection features. These help prevent your browser from accessing sites that may exploit its vulnerabilities or download malicious software. Make sure your browser is always updated. Many cookie-based attacks take advantage of weaknesses in outdated browser versions.
Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest local or international websites. With a clear understanding of how they work and the benefits they offer, you can take the necessary security measures to browse the internet confidently.
Disabling or refusing to accept cookies may render certain websites unusable or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing cookies does not mean you will no longer see online advertisements.
You can set your browser to reject cookies or to accept cookies only from specific websites. However, for example, if you are not logged in using cookies, you may not be able to post comments.
All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the options or preferences menu of your browser. To understand these settings, the following links may be helpful, or you can use your browser’s help option for more details.
Useful links
If you want to learn more about cookies and how they are used, we recommend the following links:
http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/
For any additional questions regarding the use of cookies on our website, please send us an email at office@halsmob.ro