Cookies are text information which is saved on users’ computers on demand of web server. This information is transmitted back during next site visit. Main functions of this technology are

1. session organization for online shops, forums and other interactive systems. In that case cookies contain unique user ID.
2. different user’s parameter keeping.
3. user’s identification in such systems as rating systems, counters, banner advertising systems, online polls and etc.

For the last time cookies technology attract a lot of attention of infroamtion security experts. The main reason is that cookies can contain private infroamtion and can be stolen by means of spy applications.
Here is some ways to steel this information

1. Сross Site Sсriрting This method is based on including trojan code in legitimate web page. This script transmits cookie to fraudster.
2. Web browser vulnerability
3. Trojan applications using. This application amylases cookies and transmits information to malefactor
5. Using of public computers (for example in libraries). A lot of users don’t care about deleting cookies after using such computers.
6. Cookies interception by means of network traffic analysis tools.

To reduce cookies theft threat you have to apply these browsers settings

Internet Explorer

Medium position of this switch means that your browser blocks some cookies (counters, ratings). Maximum position means that your IE blocks all incoming and outgoing cookies. Due to “Sites” button you can specify exclusions.

There is also “Advanced” button. Here you can stop automatic cookie handling and specify browser activity for first-party cookies and exterior ones. It is also recommended to allow switch on session cookies – they are stored only for a session time.

Mozilla FireFox

The settings for FireFox are little bit differ. You can allow or disallow cookies. You can allow receiving of cookies only from that site you are browsing (it analogue of exterior cookies blocking system of IE). Besides you can set expire date. That means that after customized duration all information will be automatically deleted. There is special option which deletes cookies files after FireFox window closing. By the way FireFox supports special hotkeys combination which helps you to delete all private information in a matter of seconds. It is Ctrl+Shift+Del.