Cookies
Cookie Usage Policy
This policy refers to the cookies and web pages operated by S.C. Beta Edge Solutions SRL, located in Bucharest, Sector 3.
What are Cookies?
A cookie is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, which is stored on a user's computer, mobile terminal, or other equipment from which the internet is accessed. The cookie is installed through 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 the information on the user’s hard drive).
What are Cookies Used For?
These files make it possible to recognize the user's terminal and present content in a relevant way, adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies ensure a pleasant browsing experience for users and support Artiva’s efforts to offer comfortable services to users, such as preferences for online privacy, shopping cart, or relevant advertising. They are also used to prepare aggregated anonymous 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.
What Cookies Do We Use?
We use two types of cookies: session cookies and fixed cookies. The former are temporary files that remain in the user's terminal until the session ends or the application (web browser) is closed. Fixed files remain on the user’s terminal for a period defined by the cookie parameters or until manually deleted by the user.
How Are Cookies Used by This Site?
A visit to this site can place cookies for purposes of:
- Site performance cookies
- Visitor analysis cookies
- Geotargeting cookies
- Registration cookies
- Advertising cookies
- Advertising provider cookies
Do Cookies Contain Personal Data?
Cookies themselves 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. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes unauthorized access impossible.
Deleting Cookies
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 administration of cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed every 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 (web browser). Limiting the use of cookies can affect certain functionalities of the web page.
Why Are Cookies Important for the Internet?
Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience adapted to each user's preferences and interests. Refusing or disabling cookies can make some sites unusable.
Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising – it just means that this will no longer consider your preferences and interests, as evidenced by your browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (that do not require user authentication through an account):
- Content and services adapted to user preferences – categories of products and services.
- Offers adapted to user interests – password retention.
- Retaining child protection filters regarding internet content (family mode options, safe search functions).
- Limiting the frequency of ad delivery – limiting the number of times an ad is displayed to a particular user on a site.
- Providing more relevant advertising for 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 on a website (e.g., through search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Websites conduct these analyses to improve sites for the benefit of users.
Security and Privacy Issues
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not composed of pieces of code 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.
Cookies can still be used for negative purposes. Since they store information about user preferences and browsing history, both on a particular 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 scanning/deletion procedures.
Generally, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, expiration periods, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a certain site.
Other security issues related to cookies:
Since the protection of identity is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what problems cookies can create. Because information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the data transmission process, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted.
Although very rarely, 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 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 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 inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow user access to the most widespread and used sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.
Here are some tips that can ensure you navigate worry-free but with the help of cookies:
- Customize your browser settings for cookies to reflect a comfortable level of cookie security for you.
- If you do not mind cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration periods for storing your browsing history and personal access data.
- If you share access to the computer, you might 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 detecting attacks on sites. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.
Make sure your browser is always up to date.
Many cookie-based attacks are exploited by taking advantage of the weaknesses of old browser versions.
Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest websites 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 so that you can navigate confidently on the internet.
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 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 ability to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser.
To understand these settings, the following links may be useful, otherwise, you can use the “help” option of your browser 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 consult the site: http://www.youronlinechoices.com/
If you want to learn more about cookies and what they are used for, we recommend the following links:
IAB provides the following site to offer more information regarding online advertising privacy: http://www.youronlinechoices.com
For more details on privacy issues, you can also access the following links:
