Digital Technologies & Tools, Education & Research
How can users, customers, and visitors control or delete cookies from their browsers?
Browser Settings:
Most web browsers allow users to manage cookies through their settings. Here’s how to do it in popular browsers:
Google Chrome: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner, go to “Settings,” then click “Privacy and Security.” Under “Cookies and other site data,” you can manage cookies.
Mozilla Firefox: Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, go to “Options,” then select “Privacy & Security.” You’ll find cookie settings under “Cookies and Site Data.”
Microsoft Edge: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner, go to “Settings,” then click “Privacy, search, and services.” Under “Cookies and site permissions,” you can manage cookies.
Safari: On macOS, go to “Safari” > “Preferences” > “Privacy.” On iOS, go to “Settings” > “Safari” > “Privacy & Security.”
Opera: Click on the Opera logo in the top-left corner, go to “Settings,” then select “Privacy & security.” You’ll find cookie settings there.
Third-Party Tools:
Some third-party tools allow users to opt out of specific cookies or tracking. For example:
Google Ads Preferences: Users can customize their ad preferences by visiting Google Ads Settings.
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): Users can opt out of targeted advertising by visiting the NAI website (NAI Consumer Opt-Out).
Clearing Cookies:
Users can clear cookies from their browsers at any time. This will remove all stored cookies. The process varies by browser, but it usually involves going to the browser settings and finding the option to clear browsing data. Users can choose to delete cookies only or clear other data as well (e.g., browsing history, cache).
Remember that managing cookies is essential for privacy and security. Users should review their cookie settings periodically and adjust them according to their preferences. If you have any specific questions about your website’s cookie practices, consider consulting with a legal professional or privacy expert.
Educate Yourself
Understand Cookies, Types, their legality, and safety.
It depends on how they are used. Here is break down the common types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies:
- Legality: Essential cookies are generally legal because they are necessary for the proper functioning of a website. They include session cookies (which maintain user sessions) and security cookies (which prevent cross-site request forgery and other security threats).
- Safety: Essential cookies are safe for users because they don’t track personal information and are required for basic website functionality.
- Performance and Functionality Cookies:
- Legality: These cookies collect anonymous data about user behavior on the website. They are usually legal as long as they are transparently disclosed in the privacy policy.
- Safety: Performance cookies are safe as they don’t directly identify users. However, users should be aware of their presence.
- Analytics Cookies:
- Legality: Analytics cookies help website owners understand user interactions. They are legal if users are informed about their use.
- Safety: Analytics cookies are safe as they don’t contain personal information. Users’ privacy is protected.
- Advertising Cookies:
- Legality: Advertising cookies track user behavior across websites to deliver targeted ads. Their legality depends on user consent and transparency.
- Safety: While they don’t harm users directly, some users may find targeted ads intrusive. Transparency is crucial.
- Social Networking Cookies:
- Legality: These cookies allow users to share content on social media platforms. They are legal if users are informed.
- Safety: Social networking cookies are safe, but users should be aware of their presence.
- Unclassified Cookies:
- Legality: Unclassified cookies may include custom scripts or third-party tools. Their legality depends on their purpose and transparency.
- Safety: Users should exercise caution with unclassified cookies and understand their purpose.
Remember that cookie safety also depends on how websites handle user data, whether they comply with privacy laws (such as GDPR in Europe), and how transparently they communicate their practices to users. We Advise always review a website’s privacy policy to understand its cookie usage.
Google Authenticator:
Google Authenticator* to your e-commerce website is a great way to enhance security by implementing *Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)*. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:
- *Install Google Authenticator App*:
– Download the *Google Authenticator app* from the app store on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
– Open the app and tap the “+” button to add an account.
– Choose “Scan a barcode.”
- *Configure Your E-Commerce Website*:
– In your e-commerce website’s admin dashboard, install a suitable *2FA plugin*. Some popular options include:
– *”Two-Factor” by Plugin Contributors (FREE)*: Install and activate this plugin.
– *”Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication (2FA)” by MiniOrange (PAID)*: Another option with additional features.
– *”Duo Two-Factor Authentication” by Duo Security (FREE and PAID)*: Offers both free and premium versions.
- *Set Up Google Authenticator*:
– Go to your *Google account settings* on your computer.
– Click on *”2-step verification”* in the Security section.
– Under *”Authenticator App,”* click *”Turn on”* and follow the instructions until you get to the QR code.
– Scan the QR code displayed on your WordPress website using the Google Authenticator app⁵⁷.
- *Verify and Test*:
– After setting up, test the 2FA process by logging in to your e-commerce website.
– Enter your username and password as usual.
– When prompted, provide the *current OTP* (One-Time Password) generated by the Google Authenticator app.
By following these steps, you’ll add an extra layer of security to your e-commerce site, making it more resilient against unauthorized access. 😊
