Cookies and IP Address: Hacker Access Ports?

In times of increasingly frequent cyber attacks – including government officials – many people have wondered about their real privacy and security when surfing the internet. Cookies and IP Address May Reveal More About Us Than We Think

We already know that when searching and searching, certain data about our preferences and interests is stored so that businesses and advertisers can set up (and even manipulate) results according to our browsing history.

The big question is how deeply a site has access to our records and what kind of information is collected. To do this, here is some key information about the two main “access ports” to your devices: cookies and IP address. In addition, we will also give you tips on how to improve your internet security.

What are cookies?

Obviously we are not talking about the delicious cookies in the image above. When you first visit a website, it sends your computer a tiny file, usually a text file, called a cookie.

The goal is to record your activity on the page so that when you return, some functionality can be pre-configured and customized, allowing you to save time in the search process.

Thus, items left in a shopping cart are not automatically deleted; you have access to the latest viewed products; These forms are already automatically completed, as well as some other advantages, due to this previous data collection.

Cookies are harmless and do not carry viruses. However, the danger is that it allows a malicious website to send a cookie to your computer because, among other things, this tiny robot file is able to collect: the language used, your location, your personal data, login and your email account password and your IP address. In the latter case, the issue can turn into a tremendous headache.

The precautionary measure here is always to be sure to only accept cookies from trusted pages and, for the most prudent, to clear the cache assiduously.

What is the IP address (Internet protocol)?

Commonly referred to as “your internet social security number”, yours and my IP address are unique and different numbers that serve to identify any device connected on the large network, to communicate with other computers or servers, as well as to send and receive data.

Although only with an IP address number at hand can a hacker be able to hack into your computer, it is essential for initiating criminal activity such as spying on your webcam.

The IP address provides your approximate geographical location and the name of your internet provider, which is theoretically not compromising information. However, if you do not have adequate protection systems, such as a firewall or antivirus software, access becomes highly vulnerable to an attack.

Also, improper settings on the modem or router open breaches so that attackers can make successful attacks. After all, we rarely bother to create and maintain strong and secure passwords to protect your devices, even if apps that specialize in it already exist.

Thus, in the case of the IP address, caution must be doubled. The number is easily identifiable when making contacts, whether on social networks, communication services such as Skype, and especially when downloading and allowing files to be uploaded to the internet through sharing. peer-to-peer (P2P).

Make sure your operating system firewall is properly configured and working, as well as making use of a good antivirus as both are complementary and not exclusive. While the firewall is designed to protect your device against hacking and unauthorized traffic, antivirus software identifies and eliminates malicious software that is designed to damage your computer.

Use a VPN service to protect yourself!

Last but not least, it is highly recommended to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service – especially when browsing the internet using public networks – where your IP address is most likely to be exposed as the source and reliability that ISP is uncertain. That way, even cookies won't be able to report where your connection is coming from.

In addition to encrypting sent and received data, the VPN provider provides you with an IP from one of its servers located around the world, thus masking its true location and allowing totally anonymous browsing.

Did you already know the VPN solution to protect against malicious access to your computer or smartphone? Comment with us on how you often keep your equipment safe from hackers!