Cookies are small data files deposited from a website onto your device to learn about you. The goal for most websites that utilize cookies is to tailor your online experience to your preferences. This can include anything from creating a “recently viewed” product page or remembering your login credentials (i.e., usernames and passwords) to make it easier for you to log in. Although cookies can only retrieve information stored on your device, that is still quite a bit of information for most individuals. Read on to learn more about what data cookies are collecting on you and how you can protect yourself from scammers.

Information Cookies Collect:

• Account Information
  From email addresses to usernames and passwords, cookies can collect a lot of information on you. While most cookies are designed to make things more convenient for users, access to this information could be harmful. Consider this – do you use the same username and password combination on multiple sites? If so, can you see why this could be an issue if that information gets into the wrong hands?
• Viewed Items
  Ever wonder how websites know about products you have been shopping for recently? Cookies enable businesses to learn about which products consumers are interested in and make suggestions to them accordingly.
• Preferred Settings and Themes
  Businesses want to get to know as much as they can about consumers to tailor advertising, products, and services. By knowing your preferred settings and themes, businesses can learn more about you and improve the way you interact with their website.
• Beware of Cookie Scraping
  Scammers can do what is referred to as “cookie scraping.” This entails a scammer copying the cookies from your computer and using them to access your accounts, including bank, credit card, and email accounts. If you have unique usernames and passwords for every site, they will not get very far with your information but if you don’t, this could lead to a lot of trouble.

Not sure how to protect yourself from cookie scraping and other online attacks? Geeks on Site can help you protect yourself from cookie scraping and all kinds of malware and virus attacks. Our team of experts can help you remotely or on-site. Call us to find out more!