Tracking cookies

dx0r515t · 09-29-2006, 11:14 AM

Is a Linux/UNIX system vulnerable to tracking cookies? And if so, how can I detect and remove them?

If Linux/UNIX isn't vulnerable to tracking cookies could someone please explain to me how this is possible?

Thanks

MensaWater · 09-29-2006, 11:50 AM

Cookies are a browser feature rather than an OS feature. So if your browser on UNIX/Linux accepts cookies it is vulnerable to tracking cookies. You can turn off cookies or restrict it to ask your permission in most browsers including Firefox the one I'd recommend for UNIX/Linux.

dx0r515t · 09-29-2006, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the reply. How can I detect and remove a tracking cookie from a Linux/UNIX system? If I simply deleted my cookies would this guarantee removal of all tracking cookies? Or would I have to use a tool to scan for the tracking cookies?

MensaWater · 09-29-2006, 03:44 PM

I'm no expert but my belief is that for example in Firefox when you do "clear privacy data" and select cookies to remove as well that it would remove tracking cookies also.

Note that clear privacy date also selects other things like cache and history so make sure to deselect them if its important to you. Personally I always clear it all any time I've had my laptop on an insecure (e.g. public) network after I get back to my company's secure (hopefully) network.

dx0r515t · 09-29-2006, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the insight jlightner you've been helpful. I have been wondering about this for quite some time.