Tracking Cookies

[Koslova]

Disturbed to see the result of a macscan, 17 tracking cookies on my machine. Are these tracking cookies dangerous, what are they doing there anyway and who put them there. Finally should I be considering installing an antivirus and if so what. I always thought macs were immune to invasions, or are the time a changing.
Koslova

 

[yellow]

macscan... ha. Don't put too much stock into it.

cookie != virus.

They're from websites you've surfed to. If you don't want them, just remove all your cookies via your web browser's interface.

And finally, nothing is immune, it's just unlikely.

 

[Koslova]

Cookies sound like biscuits, virus something quite different, but if a cookie can drop in on my system unannounced, from a website surfed, hide on the system and watch the machines activity, how easy can a virus. But many thanks for the reassurance, as paranoid is my middle name.
Koslova

 

[yellow]

Every web browser uses cookies. It's how they store information about when you were last there, what your username & password is to particular websites, and what your preferences are.

I'm just saying that MacScan has never done anything for anyone other than feed FUD and paranoia.

 

[Consultant]

You can turn off cookies (but many sites will not function properly).

Safari:
Preferences / Security

Change your option for
Accept cookies to NEVER