Ever visited a website, closed it, and then returned later only to find your cart still full or your logged-in session still active? That’s cookies at work, my friend. These little data files power much of your web experience, making life easier—but they also come with some serious security risks.

‍

So, what exactly are cookies, how do they work, and should you be worried about them? Let’s dig deep!

‍

What are Cookies? (No, not the edible kind)

In simple terms, cookies are small text files that websites store in your browser. They hold bits of information like your login status, preferences, and tracking data. Understand them as a website’s sticky notes about you.

But not all cookies are the same. Some just help websites remember basic settings, while others… well, they track you across the internet like a digital stalker.

‍

Types of Cookies You Should Know About:

1. Session Cookies (The Short-Term Memory Cookie)

• Temporary cookies that vanish once you close your browser.
• Used for things like keeping you logged in while browsing a site.

Risk: Generally safe, but if a hacker hijacks a session cookie, they can take over your login.

‍

2. Persistent Cookies (The Long-Term Memory Cookie)

• Stay on your device for a set time (day, months, or even years).
• Used for remembering logins, preferences, and shopping carts.

Risk: If stolen, persistent cookies can be exploited for long-term tracking and account takeover attacks.

‍

3. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies (The Good vs. The Creepy)

• First-party cookies: Created by the website you visit (eg., remembering your dark mode preference).
• Third-party cookies: Created by external sites, usually for ads and tracking (Facebook, Google Ads, etc.).

Risk: Third-party cookies track you across multiple sites, building a profile of your browsing habits.

Ever searched for a new laptop and suddenly every website is showing you laptop ads? Yep, that’s third-party cookies in action.

‍

4. Secure Cookies & HttpOnly Cookies (The Good Guys)

• Secure cookies can only be transmitted over HTTPS, preventing attackers from intercepting them via network sniffing.
• HttpOnly cookies can’t be accessed by JavaScript, protecting them from XSS attacks.

Risk: If a site doesn’t use these protections, cookies can be stolen through exploits.

‍

Source: Reddit

‍

What Happens When You “Accept Cookies”?

‍
Ever noticed that pop-up asking you to “Accept All Cookies” on almost every website? Clicking that button means you’re giving the site permission to store cookies on your device—sometimes just to improve functionality, but often to track your activity across the web.

‍

What are you really agreeing to?

• Essential Cookies: These are required for the site to work (e.g., keeping you logged in).
• Functional Cookies: Store your preferences, like language and region settings.
• Performance Cookies: Help the website owners see how users interact with the site (analytics).
• Advertising & Tracking Cookies: The real reason you keep seeing ads for things you searched for days ago.

‍

Pro tip: Many sites have a “Manage Cookies” option—use it! Declining non-essential cookies can drastically reduce tracking.

‍

How do Cookies Impact Security?

Okay, so cookies make life easier. But what’s the downside? Well, cookies can be manipulated, stolen, or abused in ways that compromise your security and privacy. 

Let’s look at some major risks:

1. Tracking and Privacy Concerns

Ever felt like the internet knows too much about you? That’s because cookies track EVERYTHING—from your interests to your shopping habits.

• Third-party cookies track users across multiple sites, creating detailed behavioral profiles.
• Advertisers use them to serve personalized ads (aka why you keep seeing ads for things you just talked about).

Solution: Block third-party cookies in your browser settings.

‍

2. Session Hijacking (Stealing Your Login)

Cookies store your session ID, which tells a website, “Hey, this is you!” But if a hacker steals your session cookie, they can impersonate you without needing your password.

• Attackers use tools like Firesheep (yes, it’s real) to hijack session cookies over unsecured networks.
• If your cookies aren’t secured, anyone on the same Wi-Fi can potentially take over your session.

Solution: Always use HTTPS websites and avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.

‍

3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Inject & Steal

Cookies can be stolen using XSS attacks, where hackers inject malicious JavaScript into vulnerable websites.

• This script tricks your browser into sending cookies to an attacker.
• If an attacker gets your session cookie, they can bypass your login.

Solution: Websites should use HttpOnly cookies to prevent JavaScript access. Users should avoid shady (you get it, right?) websites.

‍

4. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): When Cookies Work Against You

Imagine logging into your bank, then visiting a malicious site that secretly transfers money using your cookies. That’s CSRF!

• Since your cookies authenticate you, a rogue website can send unauthorized requests on your behalf.
• Example: Clicking on a fake email link that makes an unauthorized transaction.

Solution: Websites should implement CSRF tokens. Users should never click suspicious links while logged in.

‍

How to Protect Yourself from Malicious Cookie Usage?

Alright, enough horror stories. Here’s how you can take control of your cookies:

• Clear Cookies Regularly: Don’t let tracking cookies build a digital profile on you.
• Use Incognito Mode: This limits cookie storage between sessions.
• Disable Third-Party Cookies: Block trackers from monitoring your activity across different websites.
• Enable “SameSite” Attribute: This prevents CSRF attacks by restricting cross-site cookie access.
• Use Browser Extensions: Tools like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, or Ghostery help block tracking cookies.
• Check Site Permissions: Some sites are greedy—limit what they can store on your device.

‍

Final Thoughts: Should You Fear Cookies?

Not all cookies are bad, but many are used in ways that put your security and privacy at risk. While they make the web more convenient, blindly accepting all cookies is like handing out your home address to every stranger you meet.

So, next time you see that “Accept All Cookies” pop-up… maybe don’t click it without thinking.

‍

About the Author

Rhythm Jain is the Marketing Development Manager at Resonance Security, bringing several years of experience in marketing and business development. As a cybersecurity enthusiast turned marketing professional, he specializes in crafting strategies that amplify brand presence and drive user engagement across web2 and web3 ecosystems.

‍