Cookies Are Not Just for Eating

Cookie crumbs are OK when you’re at home having a quick Oreo dunk, but in a computer these cookies can be a problem. 

Cookies are the formal name for small pieces of code placed on your computer by your web browser to help see where you have been. Tracking cookies are great when used with proper up-front knowledge, but when your browser or a provider states, “We don’t use cookies to track,” then the problem jumps out and in your face when they do.

Apple iPhone and iPad users were recently found to have been tracked on usage by a method whereby Google tricked the software to watch your viewing habits. Was this a no-no or just a quick way to get more ad revenue for the giant? The Wall Street Journal’s take on it was interesting to me when they noted, “Google and many others have figured a way around Apple’s default settings in the browser.” Wow, you think?

I, for one, get a little bent when a software product can have this breach of security, or just say oops and hope this will all go away. Apple is now on the hunt to close these loop holes, but should others be worried? The answer is, use safe browsing techniques always. US-Cert is a great source from soup to nuts on everything web and how to be safe. I know I have spoken about using your computer safely, but like always, things happen to my clients that refresh the need to remind everyone to be careful out there.

CAW this week is a just a quick windows cookie cleaner: http://download.cnet.com/Flash-Cookie-Cleaner/3000-2248_4-10969256.html. Flash Cookie Cleaner is simple and effective on cookies. Give it a try and see if you can crumble the crumbs!