In modern computing, temporary data takes on many different forms. When using the internet, many web browsers store temporary data via small bits of information, or files, known as cookies. There are several different types of cookies, with some more common than others, and they can all be used to achieve various results.

Common Uses of Cookies
Websites use cookies in a variety of ways. Although most sites generally use them to store personalization options or to prevent fraud, others may be used to track your internet usage and sell your data to marketers and advertisers around the world. Other common uses include:

• Remembering items in shopping carts or wish lists on an eCommerce site
• Verifying that certain settings are turned on or off
• Saving your login credentials or authenticating your identify
• Auto-filling information in online forms

Now that you have a better idea of how cookies are used in modern computing, it's time to learn more about the different types of cookies available.

The Different Types of Cookies
Understanding the different types of cookies is a crucial step in safeguarding your internet browser from nefarious sites and services. Start by separating all cookies into one of two general categories: first-party cookies or third-party cookies.

Cookies put in place by the websites you've personally visited with your internet browser are known as first-party cookies. These generally affect the functionality or accessibility of the website, but some nefarious sites will use these cookies for tracking or advertising.

In contrast, cookies that are delivered through online advertisements, videos, or banners are known as third-party cookies. Users don't even have to visit the original location of the ad or video. As such, third-party cookies are amongst the most controversial and are often used for nefarious purposes.

Some additional cookie types include:

• HTTP cookies: Based on the magic cookies that were used by early Unix programmers, HTTP cookies are considered the default type of cookie. They can be either first- or third-party cookies.
• Session cookies: These cookies only last for the entirety of your current session. Once your internet browser is closed, the cookies will - in theory - be deleted.
• Persistent cookies: These cookies collect, store, and track information about you, your online accounts, or your browsing habits. However, they're not all nefarious - persistent cookies are used to provide search recommendations, filter search results, manage online profiles, and more.
• Supercookies: Also known as zombie cookies, these cookies are notoriously hard to remove. Since they're not stored in the same directory as most other cookies, they can be difficult to find in the first place. Even if they are deleted, some have the ability to re-build themselves.

As you can see, third-party cookies pose the biggest threat - but even those aren't really able to uncover your personal identity, download any files, or infect your system with a virus. They can, however, track your internet usage and analyze your personal browsing history. Thankfully, many popular internet browsers and online security suites have already begun blocking third-party cookies right from the start.

You may read more about an HTTP cookie in Wikipedia: HTTP cookie.