I cleared my browser cookies the other day and realized how many sites had kept me logged in for months. Are these “persistent cookies” actually a risk, or is it fine to leave them around? Just curious if it’s something I should worry about, especially with all the security talk lately.
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I’ve definitely been caught off guard by sites forgetting me after I clear cookies, but I get why some people prefer the extra security. It’s always a trade-off between convenience and peace of mind, I guess.
Persistent cookies can be super convenient, but they do have some risks if your device gets lost or someone else gets access to your computer. These cookies keep you logged in even after you close the browser, which means anyone using your device could access your accounts. There’s a detailed look at the pros and cons on Web Cookies. I usually set my browser to clear cookies on exit for anything sensitive, just to be safe. It’s a little less convenient, but it means you’re less likely to have your info hanging around if something happens to your laptop.