Skills for Success

Random/Useful Digital Information

Cache

How to clear your cache?

Not many people are aware of what cache is on your computers and browsers, they’re also not aware that it’s already built in. Cache is basically a storage space in an application that temporarily stores data to speed up loading time on severs and browsers.

Even though cache may seem good there are a few downsides to it, such as:

  • Outdated information being stored causing your browser or computer to slow down.
  • The data stored in cache can sometimes be corrupt or incorrect, this leading to applications crashing or malfunctioning.
  • There is also potential for memory leaks to occur, this is when data previously stored is not cleared leading to wasted space, which slows down the device
  • Cache has the potential to be a security risk, an example is when corrupted data is used by attackers to gain access to the rest of your information

These are the downsides to cache; however, they can be properly managed so these issues can be avoided. Ways to manage cache are by clearing it regularly and having a VPN/security system installed on the device. This will help with clearing excess cache and preventing it from slowing down your devices, also everything else I had previously listed.

Here’s how to clear browsing cache for Google, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari:

Google –

  1. Go to Google
  2. Click the three dots located in the upper right corner to open the menu
  3. Select “More tools” and then click “Clear browsing data”
  4. Next choose a time range, so pick like “All time”
  5. After check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
  6. Finally, click “Clear data”

Microsoft Edge –

  1. Open Edge
  2. Click the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu
  3. Select “Settings”
  4. Next, go to “Privacy, search, and services”
  5. Click on “Choose what to clear”
  6. After, click on the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”
  7. Finally, click “Clear now”

Firefox –

  1. Open Firefox
  2. Click on the menu button in the top left corner (The three lines)
  3. Go to “Settings” and select the tab “Privacy and Security”
  4. Scroll down to the section “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data”
  5. Make sure the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content” are checked.
  6. Finally, click “Clear”

Safari –

  1. Go to Safari
  2. Click on the menu in the top left corner
  3. Select “Preferences”
  4. Click on the “Privacy” tab
  5. Click on “Manage Website Data”
  6. Select the data that you intend to remove, and click “Remove”
  7. You can clear it via the “Clear History” tab and choose the time range that you want removed (I’m not sure if it’s the same specific stuff but it’s an option)

So here is a little recap. Having to much cache saved up in your device is not great. It can cause your computer or browsers to be slow and may cause you to be prone to attackers. The way to resolve this is by clearing your cache.

Cookies

What are cookies? Are they good or bad?

So, everyone has seen the cookies pop up when they open a website. It’s normally an annoying big box at the bottom that doesn’t go away till you either click “Accept” or “Decline”. Normally no one really knows what they are, and if you ask someone random, they might just say that they click accept without even knowing what the cookies are. But what even are they? and why are they relevant?

Cookies: Small data files which hold unique data that identifies your preferences and devices network. Whenever you visit a website, the browser gets a cookie to hold in a folder that is later used to identify you if you visit the website. Cookies contain your preferences and can track data, which can be analyzed by websites and used to collect behavioral data.

What’s bad about them?

Cookies can cause several privacy/security risks for your data. Sometimes they can be exploited by websites if your data is sold, this can lead to potential privacy violation. They also can store sensitive data that can make them a target for attackers and could be easily hijacked. Also, the information on them can code for some websites functions and this led to data breaches (I don’t know how the specific process goes down but I read this could happen)

In a nutshell, most things seem susceptible to hacking or becoming corrupted. But here are some ways to help manage cookies safely!

How to manage your cookies:

  • Adjusting Cookie Settings: A simple thing you can do is just go to settings and change your cookie preferences, (This should be for any browser) you’ll most likely have the option to block, restrict or opt-out of data sharing with third parties.
  • Clearing Cookies: Like Cache, it’s a good idea to try regularly clearing browser cookies. You do this to remove any stored information that could be susceptible to attackers and can help reduce tracking from websites.
  • Private Browsing: Using private/incognito mode is good to prevent the storage of cookies or browsing history. It’s not completely full proof for keeping your identity private, it keeps the cookie setting from turning on (Most of the time, this isn’t a great option but it’s good practice)
  • Avoid Unsecured Websites: DO NOT accept cookies from an unencrypted site, these could be corrupted cookies. (Encrypted will say HTTPS or have a padlock icon)
  • Sensitive Information Cookies: For certain sites you might’ve shared personal information like your SSN, banking stuff, etc. It’s better if you decline the cookies for those sites to ensure the details are not stored and won’t be accessed later by someone else.
  • Limit Third Parties: Previously, I mentioned having restrictions set in your settings. However, you should still manage third party cookies more closely, because they are more commonly used for tracking. (You can still block them and restrict them in settings just be more wary)

How to clear cookies on browsers, Google, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari:

Google –

  1. Go to Google and select the three dots in the top right corner
  2. Click on “Settings”
  3. Turn on “Privacy and security”
  4. Turn on “Clear browsing data”
  5. Pick the time range for when you want to clear cookies
  6. Mark the checkboxes for Cookies, other site data, and Cached images and files
  7. Finally, click “Clear data”

Microsoft Edge –

  1. Open Edge and click on the three dots in the top right corner
  2. Select “Settings”
  3. Click on “Privacy, search, and services”
  4. Below “Clear browsing data” select “Choose what to clear”
  5. Mark the check boxes next to Cookies, other site data, and Cached images and files
  6. Pick the time range
  7. Finally, hit “Clear now”

Firefox –

  1. Go to Firefox and click the three lines in the top right corner
  2. Select “Settings”
  3. Click on “Privacy and Security”
  4. Below Cookies and site data, select “Clear data”
  5. Finally, hit “Clear”

Safari –

  1. Go find the Settings app on your device (For some reason the settings for Safari aren’t directly on the browser) you can search for Safari and the page should pop up (If you have Apple)
  2. Scroll down and select “Clear History and Website Data” (It should be in blue lettering)
  3. A pop up will appear, it’s verifying that you want to clear the history of data
  4. Finally, select “Clear History and Data”