A web cookie, is a small chunk(s) of data served(shared) to the client(browser) that can be used for a variety of purposes. One of the most common being a website login identifier that serves a session cookie that is able to be sent back to the server to prevent needing to authenticate numerous times. The web cookie, has a bunch of other common names such as HTTP cookie, browser cookie, and cookie. for the sake of simplicity this article will be using the term cookie to represent all types of cookies.
How it works
When a user(person) visits a website, you may be first prompted with user preferences such as what data can be used with the site. that information is likely stored by your browser agent as a cookie so that information or popup will not show again. Cookies are often a good practice as it offers clients a better experience when navigating their site when visiting. Of course there are a bunch of other cookies that do exist but for now we will focus on a few categories that these cookies fall under
| Cookie Type | Use Case | Risky? |
|---|---|---|
| Form Cookie | When using a site you may be required to fill out a form field, that information can be stored by your agent when making a purchases or even renewing your licence making the experience more streamlined the next time you plan on making additional purchases on a website like that. | Depending on implementation such as if cookies are not properly encrypted by your browser and site your using you may be at risk if a malicious actor decides to swipe your cookies which could also include password and saved payment information |
| 3rd Party Cookie | ||
| Authentication Cookie | ||
| Tracking Cookie | ||
| Preference Cookie |
Why it is a problem
Targeted advertising
Value based pricing
Cross Website tracking
Examples
- Honey using cookies to share new affiliate codes with other users, this also had included many private exclusive discount codes that employees or veterans got for shopping at stores costing businesses tons of money
- Microsoft placing cookie tracking on school student devices https://www.theregister.com/2026/01/27/microsft_illegally_installed_cookies_ruling_austra_school/
- Imgur using tracking cookies to serve ads to users from third party sites Imgur