On a Computer What Are Cookies?

Computer cookies are small files, often including unique identifiers that web servers send to browsers. These cookies then can be sent back to the server each time your browser requests a new page. It's a way for a website to remember you, your preferences, and your habits online.

Are computer cookies bad?

Since the data in cookies doesn't change, cookies themselves aren't harmful. They can't infect computers with viruses or other malware. However, some cyberattacks can hijack cookies and enable access to your browsing sessions. The danger lies in their ability to track individuals' browsing histories.

What is the purpose of cookies?

Cookies are used to carry information from website to website, or between sessions on related websites, without having to burden a server machine with massive amounts of data storage.