These files make it possible to recognize the user’s terminal and present the content in a relevant way, adapted to the user’s preferences. Cookies provide users with a pleasant browsing experience and support the tools and equipment efforts to provide comfortable services to users. They are also used in the preparation of anonymous aggregate statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content, excluding the user’s personal identification.

We use two types of cookies: per session and fixed. The latter are temporary files that remain in the user’s terminal until the end of the session or closing the application (web browser). Fixed files remain on the user’s terminal for a period in the Cookie parameters or until they are manually deleted by the user.

A visit to this site may place cookies for the purposes of:

• Site performance cookies
• Visitor analysis cookies
• Geotargetting cookies
• Registration cookies
• Advertising cookies
• Advertising provider cookies

Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify internet users. Personal data collected through the use of cookies may only be collected to facilitate certain functionalities for the user. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes it impossible for unauthorized persons to access it.

In general, an application used to access web pages allows you to save cookies on the terminal by default. These settings can be changed so that the automatic administration of Cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed every time Cookies are sent to his terminal. Detailed information about the possibilities and ways of managing cookies can be found in the settings area of the application (web browser). Limiting the use of cookies may affect certain functionalities of the website.

Cookies represent the central point of the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience and adapted to the preferences and interests of each user. Declining or disabling cookies may make some sites impossible to use. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertising – but only that it will no longer be able to take into account your preferences and interests, highlighted by your browsing behavior. Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require a user to authenticate through an account):

• Content and services adapted to user preferences – categories of products and services
• Offers adapted to users’ interests – password retention
• Retention of child protection filters on Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions)
• Limit the frequency of ad serving – Limit the number of impressions of an ad for a specific user on a site
• Providing more relevant advertising for the user
• Measurement, optimization and analytics features – such as confirming a certain level of traffic on a website, what type of content is viewed and how a user gets to a website (eg through search engines, directly from other websites etc). Websites conduct these analyzes of their use to improve the sites for the benefit of users

Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code so they cannot be executed or auto-run. Consequently, they cannot be duplicated or replicated on other networks to run or replicate again. Because they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses. However, cookies can be used for negative purposes. Because it stores information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a particular site and on several other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this and constantly mark cookies to be deleted during anti-virus / anti-spyware deletion / scanning procedures.

In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of acceptance of cookies, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a particular site.

Other security aspects related to cookies: Because the protection of identity is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what possible problems cookies can create. Because through them information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the transmission of data, the information contained in the cookie may be intercepted. Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (eg an unsecured WiFi network). Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain sites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method of personal information protection.

Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user access to the most widespread and used sites including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and others. Here are some tips that can ensure that you browse without worries, but with the help of cookies: Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level for you of the security of using cookies.

If you do not mind cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration dates for storing your browsing history and personal access data. If you share access to your computer, you may want to consider setting your browser to clear individual browsing data each time you close your browser. This is a way to access the sites that place cookies and to delete any visit information at the end of the browsing session. Install and constantly update your antispyware applications. Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include site attack detection. This prevents the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download malicious software. Make sure your browser is always up to date. Many of the cookie-based attacks are exploited by exploiting the weaknesses of older versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest sites on the Internet – local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can surf the Internet with confidence. Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, the refusal to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive / see online advertising. It is possible to set in the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted or you can set the browser to accept cookies from a specific site. But, for example, if you are not registered using cookies, you will not be able to leave comments. All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser. To understand these settings, the following links may be useful, otherwise you can use the browser’s “help” option for more details:

• Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
• Cookie settings in Firefox
• Cookie settings in Chrome
• Cookie settings in Safari

For the settings of cookies generated by third parties, you can also consult the website: http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/