PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY:
This website uses cookies to provide visitors with a much better browsing experience and services tailored to the needs and interests of each individual.
What is a “cookie”?
A cookie is a small file consisting of letters and numbers that will be stored on the computer, mobile terminal, or other equipment of a user from which the internet is accessed. The cookie is installed through a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and is completely “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).
Purpose and use of cookies
The Authentic website installs cookies only to allow the improvement of the functions offered, so that the experience of visiting the site becomes more pleasant. Authentic does not use cookies to collect, process, disseminate, or record personal data.
Cookies play an important role in facilitating access to and delivery of the multiple services that users enjoy on the Internet, such as:
Customization of certain settings such as:
What are the advantages of cookies?
A cookie contains information that links a web browser (user) to a specific web server (website). If a browser accesses that web server again, it can read the information already stored and react accordingly. Cookies provide users with a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of many websites to offer comfortable services to users: e.g., online privacy preferences, site language options, shopping carts, or relevant advertising.
What is the lifespan of a cookie?
Cookies are managed by web servers. The lifespan of a cookie can vary significantly, depending on the purpose for which it is placed. Some cookies are used exclusively for a single session (session cookies) and are no longer retained once the user has left the website, while other cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to that website (“persistent cookies”). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time through browser settings.
What are third-party cookies?
Certain sections of content on some sites may be provided through third parties/providers (e.g., a news box, a video, or an advertisement). These third parties may place cookies through another website, and they are called “third-party cookies” because they are not placed by the owner of that website. Third-party providers must also comply with applicable law and the privacy policies of the site owner.
These cookies may come from the following third parties: facebook.com, twitter.com, etc.
How cookies are used by the website
A visit to the website may place cookies for the purposes of:
Other third-party cookies
On some pages, third parties may set their own anonymous cookies to track the success of an application or to customize an application. Due to the way they are used, the website cannot access these cookies, just as third parties cannot access the cookies held by that website. For example, when a user shares an article using the social media button on a website, that social network will record the user’s activity, not the website on which the button is located.
What type of information is stored and accessed through cookies?
Cookies store information in a small text file that allows a website to recognize a browser. The web server will recognize the browser until the cookie expires or is deleted. The cookie stores important information that improves the internet browsing experience, for example:
Why are cookies important for the Internet?
Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a user-friendly browsing experience tailored to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies can make some websites impossible to use. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that the user will no longer receive online advertising – it only means that it will no longer be able to take into account the user’s preferences and interests, as evidenced by browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require user authentication through an account):
Security and privacy issues
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code, so they cannot be executed or run automatically. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate on other networks to run or replicate again. Because they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses. Cookies can, however, be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users’ preferences and browsing history, both on a particular website and on other websites, cookies can be used as a form of spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and consistently mark cookies for deletion as part of 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
Because 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 information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website through them, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes in the data transmission path, the information contained in cookies can be intercepted. Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g., an unsecured WiFi network). Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on web servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use 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 for users to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method of protecting personal information.
Tips for safe web browsing based on cookies
Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited sites use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow you access to sites such as YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. Therefore, we offer you some tips to ensure safe web browsing through cookies.
Customize your browser settings regarding cookies.
If you are the sole user of the terminal, you can set extended cookie expiration periods.
If you are not the sole user of the terminal, consider deleting individual browsing data each time you close the browser.
Install anti-spyware applications and keep them constantly updated.
Make sure the browser you use is always up to date, as many cookie-based attacks are possible due to weaknesses in older browser versions.
All browsers allow you to customize how cookies operate. To understand these settings, access one of the links below, depending on the browser used:
What should you do if you do not want cookies to be installed on your computer?
There are people for whom the storage of information extracted from their computer or mobile device has a relatively invasive character, especially when the information in question is stored and used by third parties unknown to them. If you prefer, you have the option to block all cookies or only some of them, or even to delete cookies that have been installed on your terminal. However, be aware that you risk not being able to use certain functions. To activate this blocking, you must modify the privacy settings of your browser. Some third-party operators have developed tools whose modules allow the collection and use of data to be disabled.
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 the user will no longer receive/see online advertising. It is possible to adjust the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted, or the browser can be set to accept cookies from a specific website. However, for example, if a user is not registered using cookies, they will not be able to leave comments. All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “Options,” “Settings,” or “Preferences” menus (buttons) of the browser.
