Although a cookie can be used to record the browsing habits of an individual user, it cannot by itself reveal the identity of the user. Also, there have been no known cases of computer viruses that have been transmitted by cookies. Further, it is not against the law for a website to send out a digital cookie. The extent of damage that a cookie can cause is the tracking of an individual's browsing habits. Still, users who do not wish to have cookies embedded onto their hard drives can reconfigure their Internet browser to reject all cookies or to give notification that a website has sent a cookie.
Many organizations suggest using filters.
Many on-line providers now block incoming cookies and bulk mail from known spammers, marketers and those using falsified return addresses. If the policy is unclear or none is posted, be wary. Viruses Computer viruses are a serious problem for all computer users. Not only are viruses a nuisance, they can also cause significant amounts of damage. More recently, viruses have sometimes been transmitted from Internet web sites.