Cookies are used on masses of websites for lots of different things. The simple definition of a cookie was covered in Words of the week, earlier this week.

Some customers occasionally ask should they delete or remove cookies as their antivirus software has flagged it as a security risk.

An example of AntiVirus software scanning a cookie and its risk.

The answer is not always. Blocking or removing all cookies can help protect your privacy, but it might limit your experience on some websites. Be selective about which websites you allow cookies for. You can start by blocking all cookies, then allow cookies as needed for websites that you trust.

Alternatively, you could just always just remove them all when your antivirus software does a sweep, which is far easier.

How do I delete all cookies

1. Press Start
2. Control Panel
3. Double-click Internet settings.
4. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
5. On the General tab, under Browsing history, click Delete.
6. Click Delete Cookies, and then click Yes.
7. Click Close, and then click OK.

When will I be using cookies?

Websites such as your Internet banking or Amazon account will use something called a session cookie, or temporary cookie . These are removed from your computer after you close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store temporary information, such as items in your shopping cart, or are set to close a session if the user does not use the website for a while. Such as if you leave your Internet banking page open for more than 5 minutes without using the site, it will expire your site and ask you to log back in.

Tags: AntiVirus, Internet, Internet Explorer, risk, Security, virus