Uploaded October 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Many authentication schemes require that the browser retain a small piece of information about the user—known as an HTTP cookie. While cookies are often used for authentication, they can be used to record stateful information about a user session, like shopping cart contents. They can also be used to track users over multiple visits to the same website, although this use has caused concern and led to new warnings on sites that you may have noticed.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.
Many authentication schemes require that the browser retain a small piece of information about the user—known as an HTTP cookie. While cookies are often used for authentication, they can be used to record stateful information about a user session, like shopping cart contents. They can also be used to track users over multiple visits to the same website, although this use has caused concern and led to new warnings on sites that you may have noticed.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.
