Would You Take Cookies from a Stranger?

If a friend offered you a cookie, you would probably eat it. But what if a complete stranger offered? You would think twice, and would likely throw it away. You should give your computer the same respect.

To your computer, a “cookie” is a small bit of data that it receives from a website that you visit. This data is used to help remember your computer when you log into an account or add items to your shopping cart. Cookies from trusted websites are usually harmless and necessary.

However, third-party “tracking” cookies are given to your computer by one website, on behalf of a completely different website. These track web-browsing habits and target you for advertising. These may not damage your computer, but they definitely raise privacy concerns.

Most Internet browser programs allow you to block third-party cookies and adjust control over which cookies to accept. Network Advocates recommends that you apply the following cookie settings for your web browser before an unwanted cookie leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

· In Internet Explorer, click on Tools > Internet Options.

· Select the Privacy Tab.

· Press the Advanced button.

· Check the box next to “Override automatic cookie handling.”

· Under First-party Cookies, choose Accept.

· Under Third-party Cookies, choose Block.

· Click OK to save settings.

Mozilla Firefox

· In Firefox, click on Tools > Options.

· Click on the Privacy tab.

· Check the box next to “Accept cookies from sites.”

· Uncheck the box next to “Accept third-party cookies.”

· Next to “Keep until:” use the drop-down box to select “I close Firefox.”

· Click OK to save settings.

Apple Safari

· While in Safari, click on Safari > Preferences.

· Click on the Security tab.

· Next to “Accept Cookies:” choose “Only from sites you navigate to.”

· Close the Preferences dialog to save settings.