1. The website WWW.GRADINAPADURII.RO uses cookies to provide users with relevant information and a pleasant browsing experience.
A cookie is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, that will be stored on the user’s computer, mobile terminal, or other equipment from which the internet is accessed. The cookie is installed by the request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely passive (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).
3. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF COOKIES
These files make it possible to recognize the user’s terminal and present content in a relevant manner, adapted to the user’s preferences. Cookies ensure users have a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of WWW.GRADINAPADURII.RO to provide comfortable services to users. For example: online privacy preferences or shopping cart. They are also used in preparing anonymous aggregated statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content, excluding the personal identification of the user.
4. WHAT TYPES OF COOKIES ARE USED ON THIS WEBSITE
We use two types of cookies: per session and fixed. Per session cookies are temporary files that remain in the user’s terminal until the session ends or the application (the web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user’s terminal for a period defined by the cookie parameters or until they are manually deleted by the user.
5. HOW COOKIES ARE USED ON THIS WEBSITE
A visit to this website may place cookies for the following purposes:
– site performance cookies
– visitor analysis cookies
– geotargeting cookies
– registration cookies
6. COOKIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON SECURITY AND PERSONAL DATA CONFIDENTIALITY
Cookies do not require personal information to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify internet users. Personal data collected through the use of cookies can only be collected to facilitate certain functionalities for the user (e.g., using the shopping cart). Such data is encrypted in a way that makes it impossible for unauthorized persons to access it.
7. HOW COOKIES CAN BE MANAGED THROUGH BROWSER SETTINGS
Generally, an application used to access web pages allows cookies to be saved on the terminal by default. These settings can be changed so that the automatic management of cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed each time cookies are sent to their terminal. Detailed information about the possibilities and ways of managing cookies can be found in the settings area of the application (i.e., the web browser). Limiting the use of cookies may affect certain functionalities of the web page.
8. WHY COOKIES ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE INTERNET
Cookies are the central point of the efficient functioning of the internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience adapted to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies can make some sites impossible to use.
Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertising – it just means that it will no longer take into account your preferences and interests, as evidenced by your browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require user authentication through an account):
– content and services adapted to user preferences – categories of products and services
– offers tailored to user interests – remembering passwords
– retaining child protection filters regarding internet content (family mode options, safe search functions)
– limiting the frequency of ad displays – limiting the number of times an ad is shown to a particular user on a site
– providing more relevant advertising to 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 arrives at a website (e.g., through search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Websites conduct these analyses of their use to improve themselves for the benefit of users.
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of code fragments, so they cannot be executed, nor can they self-run. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate on other networks to run or replicate again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.
However, cookies can be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a specific site and across multiple other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and constantly mark cookies for deletion during anti-virus/anti-spyware deletion/scanning procedures.
In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a particular site.
Other security aspects related to cookies:
Since identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what potential problems cookies can create. Because they constantly transmit information between the browser and the website in both directions, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes in the data transmission path, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted. Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (for example: 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 exploit 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 protecting personal information.
Tips for safe and responsible browsing based on cookies:
Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, they are almost unavoidable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user to access the most widespread and used sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure you browse worry-free with the help of cookies:
– Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level of cookie usage security for you.
– If you do not mind cookies and are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration terms for storing browsing history and personal access data.
– If you share access to the computer, you can consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close the browser. This is a way to access sites that place cookies and delete any visit information at the end of the browsing session.
– Install and constantly update antispyware applications. Many spyware detection and prevention applications include site attack detection. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.
– Make sure you always have your browser updated. Many cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting weaknesses in old browser versions.
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 to browse the internet with confidence.
Disabling and refusing to receive cookies can make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive/see online advertising.
It is possible to set 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 possibility to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “Options” or “Preferences” menu of the browser used.
To understand these settings, the following links might 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 third-party cookie settings, you can also visit the site: www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/