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Question

Some cookies are automatically recreated after a user has deleted them. These are called _______ cookies.

The correct answer is zombie

Understanding Cookies That Reappear After Deletion

Let's delve into the world of web cookies, specifically focusing on a particular type that has the ability to regenerate even after a user attempts to delete them. This behavior is often associated with cookies that employ methods to store backups or identifiers in locations outside the standard browser cookie storage, allowing them to be recreated.

Different Types of Cookies Explained

Cookies are small text files stored on a user's computer by websites they visit. They are used to remember information about the user, such as login details, preferences, or shopping cart items. However, not all cookies behave the same way. Let's look at the types mentioned in the options:

  • Third-party cookies: These are set by a domain other than the one the user is currently visiting. They are often used by advertisers to track a user's browsing activity across different websites.
  • Zombie cookies: This is a term used for cookies that can reappear after a user has deleted them from their browser. They are difficult to remove because they can store copies of themselves or identifiers in multiple locations on a user's device, not just the standard browser cookie storage area.
  • Persistent cookies: These cookies remain on a user's device for a specified period of time, even after the browser is closed. They are not session-dependent and are used to remember preferences or login information for future visits.
  • Session cookies: These are temporary cookies that are only stored for the duration of a user's visit to a website. They are deleted when the user closes their browser.

Why Some Cookies Reappear After Deletion

The key characteristic described in the question is the ability of a cookie to be automatically recreated after deletion. Based on the descriptions above, zombie cookies are specifically designed to exhibit this behavior. They achieve this persistence by storing data in places like Flash Local Shared Objects (LSOs), Silverlight storage, HTML5 storage, or other browser-specific storage mechanisms, in addition to or instead of traditional browser cookies. When the standard browser cookies are deleted, the website can use the data stored in these alternative locations to recreate the deleted cookie.

This makes zombie cookies particularly difficult for users to manage and remove, raising privacy concerns.

Cookie Type Behavior Persistence After Browser Close Persistence After Deletion Attempt
Third-party Set by a different domain; often used for tracking. Varies (can be session or persistent) Typically deleted with standard cookie clearing.
Zombie Can reappear after deletion. Often persistent due to recreation mechanism. Reappears automatically.
Persistent Remains for a set duration. Yes. Typically deleted with standard cookie clearing.
Session Only lasts while browser is open. No. Deleted when browser closes.

Considering the unique ability to reappear after deletion, the term that fits this description is zombie cookies.

Revision Table: Key Cookie Types

Term Description
Cookies Small text files storing user information by websites.
Third-party Cookies Set by a domain other than the visited site; used for tracking.
Zombie Cookies Recreate themselves after user deletion attempts.
Persistent Cookies Stay on the device for a set time, across sessions.
Session Cookies Deleted when the browser is closed.

Additional Information on Zombie Cookies and Privacy

Zombie cookies represent a more advanced form of web tracking persistence. Their ability to respawn makes it challenging for users to control their online privacy by simply clearing browser cookies. Web browsers and privacy tools have evolved to better detect and remove these types of persistent tracking mechanisms, but new techniques can emerge. Users concerned about zombie cookies and similar tracking methods may need to use specific browser extensions or privacy-focused browser settings that target these alternative storage methods.

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Important Questions from Internet

  1. _________ records everything you type on your PC in order to obtain your log-in name, passwords and other sensitive information. 

  2. Video Graphics Array connectors are those which connect the monitor to a computer's video card and has ______ holes.

  3. In web browser, which of the following is responsible for displaying the web pages?

  4. Which of the following option can be pressed to create a new email message in Gmail?

  5. Once_______ has infected a substantial number of computer systems, it generates revenue either by displaying advertisements or using a "pay per click" mechanism to charge its clients against the number of clicks on their displayed ads.

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