How does Google use cookies?

Google uses functional cookies to enhance your user experience by remembering your logins and site preferences. Google also uses targeted cookies to collect data on your browsing patterns and personalise the ads that you see.

Can I get hacked by accepting cookies?

Most cookies are safe to accept, although you might prefer to decline third-party cookies to help prevent websites from tracking your online activity and collecting personal data. High-risk cookies that could leave you open to security threats such as hacking include cookies on unsecured websites or suspicious cookies flagged by antivirus software .

Can cookies steal passwords?

Cookies don’t steal passwords. Websites use cookies to remember your login information, making it easier for you to visit the website again in the future. While cookies themselves don’t 'steal' passwords, hackers can hijack cookies by intercepting data and using that information to access your accounts. Using long and unique passwords for all your accounts, setting up a password manager , and regularly clearing your cookies will help you keep your accounts safer.

What information do cookies collect?

Cookies can store information such as the websites you visit, links you click, how often and for how long you visit certain websites, and the items you’ve purchased. Cookies can also remember personal data such as usernames and passwords, your geolocation and IP address , and even your address and phone number.

Why are cookies called cookies?

The name originates from the programming term ‘magic cookie’, which refers to data that’s exchanged between a user and a server. The server stores this data and recognises it at a later date, similar to how internet cookies retain information to identify users, hence the name.

What are cookies, and what are they used for?

Argentina

Brasil

Canada (English)

Canada (Français)

Caribbean (English)

Caribe (Español)

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Hispanoamérica

México

Panamá

Perú

Puerto Rico (English)

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

België (Nederlands)

Belgique (Français)

Česko

Danmark

Deutschland

España

Estonia (English)

France

Iceland (English)

Ireland (English)

Israel (English)

Italia

Latvia (English)

Lithuania (English)

Luxembourg (Français)

Magyarország

Nederland

Norge

Österreich

Polska

Portugal

România

Schweiz (Deutsch)

Suisse (Français)

Svizzera (Italiano)

South Africa

Suomi

Sverige

Türkiye

United Arab Emirates (English)

United Kingdom

Ελλάδα

Россия

Australia

Cambodia (English)

Hong Kong (English)

香港

India (English)

Indonesia (English)

Malaysia (English)

New Zealand

Philippines (English)

Singapore (English)

Thailand (English)

Vietnam (English)

대한민국

中国

台灣

日本

Products

Product Features

Services & Support

About

Norton is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2025 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility System Status

Contents

Want more?

Contents

Related articles

Want more?