Cookies and Privacy

Saw you on the web

“with your permission of course” A look at cookies downloaded from top sites, their function and possible risks. By: Richard Johnson and John J. Healy MS 810 Assignment completed March 2013.

Abstract

Privacy on the internet has been an issue since the outset of the web and have become more focused since the development of cookies. Issues about the effect on users privacy, browsing experience and what information is being stored are to the forefront. In this paper we set out to analyze the top five sites in ten categories using Alexa.com to select the sites. The types of cookies present are analyzed and a view given as to personal privacy issues based on the information. We quantify the cookies from each site, look at the replication of cookies across sites, attempt to categorize the cookie function and look at present or past security implication associated with that particular cookie or its owner. Further did these cookies and their associated sites pose any direct risk to us or is there risks associated with how they use the information. Commercially cookies are an essential device for the digital advertising industry and we look at use of cookies by that sector.

Background

Initially some background information regarding cookies and web privacy. As we browse the web and click from one site to another adding a search term in some instance or inputting personal information in other instance, we are leaving a click stream of personal preferences and possibly personal information. Since Netscape employee Lou Mountuelli developed the first cookie system for browsers in 1994 which was patented in 1995, web sites are able to glean more information about people browsing. Netscape made no effort to publicize this development and it was left to the Financial times to highlight the possible privacy issues.(―Lou Montulli,‖ 2013) In the intervening years use of cookies has spawned a whole industry and until recent times the person browsing seemed...