What are cookies?

I know a lot is going on in your mind when you hear the word cookies. But here we're referring to computer cookies we run into each time we use the internet.

HTTP cookies are essential to the modern Internet but a vulnerability to your privacy. As a necessary part of web browsing, HTTP cookies help web developers give you more personal, convenient website visits. Cookies let websites remember you, your website logins, shopping carts and more. But they can also be a treasure trove of private info for criminals to spy on.
Guarding your privacy online can be overwhelming. Fortunately, even a basic understanding of cookies can help you keep unwanted eyes off your internet activity.
While most cookies are perfectly safe, some can be used to track you without your consent. Worse, legitimate cookies can sometimes be spied upon if a criminal gets access.

Should I accept cookies?

If you are disclosing private information on a website, and they ask if you want to accept the cookies policy, it is best to pass and decline. Because this personal information can be used to access accounts, such as your bank account, you should keep that information away from the data-mining websites.

What happens if you don't accept cookies?

Cookies are a fundamental part of browsing online — without them, you'd have to rebuild your shopping cart every time you log in to an eCommerce site, or start sessions afresh every time you open your browsers. Also, some websites simply won't grant you access to their domain unless you accept cookies.