Privacy policy
COOKIES USAGE POLICY
1. COOKIES USAGE POLICY
This policy relates to cookies and web pages operated by CRISTALLINI LLC (hereinafter referred to as Cristallini).
2. WHAT ARE COOKIES?
A cookie is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, which will be stored on a user's computer, mobile terminal or other equipment from which the internet is accessed. The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web-server to a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely "passive" (contains no software, viruses or spyware and cannot access information on the user's hard drive).
3. WHAT ARE COOKIES USED FOR?
These files make it possible to recognise the user's terminal and present the content in a relevant way, adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies provide users with a pleasant browsing experience and support Cristallini's efforts to provide convenient services to users: e.g. online privacy preferences, shopping cart or relevant advertising. They are also used in the preparation of aggregated anonymous statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content, excluding personal identification of the user.
4. WHAT COOKIES DO WE USE?
We use two types of cookies: per session and fixed. The latter are temporary files that remain on the user's terminal until the session ends or the application (web browser) is closed.Fixed files remain on the user's terminal for a period of time in the Cookie's settings or until they are manually deleted by the user.
5. HOW ARE COOKIES USED BY THIS SITE?
A visit to this site may place cookies for the following purposes:
Site performance cookies
Visitor analytics cookies
Geotargeting cookies
Registration cookies
Advertising cookies
Advertising provider cookies
6. DO COOKIES CONTAIN PERSONAL DATA?
Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify Internet users. Personal data collected through the use of Cookies may be collected only to facilitate certain functionalities for the user. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes it impossible for unauthorised persons to access it.
7. DELETING COOKIES
In general, an application used to access web pages allows cookies to be saved on the terminal by default. These settings can be changed in such a way that the automatic management of Cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed each time Cookies are sent to his/her terminal. Detailed information about the possibilities and modes of Cookie management can be found in the settings area of the application (web browser). Limiting the use of Cookies may affect certain functionalities of the website.
8. WHY ARE COOKIES IMPORTANT FOR THE INTERNET?
Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a user-friendly browsing experience tailored to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some sites unusable. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive online advertising - it just means that it will no longer be able to take into account your preferences and interests as evidenced by your browsing behaviour.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require a user to log in via an account):
Content and services tailored to user preferences - categories of products and services.
Offers tailored to user interests - password retention.
Retention of child protection filters on Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions).
Limiting the frequency of ads - limiting the number of times an ad is displayed for a given user on a site.
Providing more relevant advertising to the user.
Measurement, optimisation and analytics features - such as confirming a certain level of traffic to a website, what type of content is being viewed and how a user gets to a website (e.g. via search engines, directly, from other websites etc). Websites perform these usage analytics to improve their websites for the benefit of users.
9. SECURITY AND PRIVACY ISSUES
Cookies are NOT viruses! They use plain text formats. They are not made up of pieces of code so they cannot be executed nor can they auto-run. Consequently, they cannot be duplicated or replicated on other networks to run or replicate themselves again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they cannot be considered viruses.
Cookies can however be used for negative purposes. Because they store information about users' preferences and browsing history, both on a particular site and on many other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and constantly flag cookies for deletion as part of anti-virus/anti-spyware deletion/scanning procedures.
Browsers generally have built-in privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a particular site.
Other security issues related to cookies:
Since identity protection is very valuable and is the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what possible problems cookies can create. Because cookies constantly transmit information back and forth between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorised person intervenes in the data transmission path, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted.
Although very rare, this can happen if the browser connects to the server using an unencrypted network (e.g. an unsecured WiFi network).
Other cookie-based attacks involve incorrect cookie settings on servers. If a website does not require the browser to use only encrypted channels, attackers can use this vulnerability to trick browsers into sending information through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information to gain unauthorised access to certain websites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method of protecting personal information.
TIPS FOR SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BROWSING BASED ON COOKIES.
Due to their flexibility and the fact that most of the most visited and largest sites use cookies, they are almost unavoidable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user access to the most popular and used sites including Youtube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you can browse without worrying about cookies:
Customize your browser settings for cookies to reflect a level of cookie security that is comfortable for you.
If you don't mind cookies and you are the only person using your computer, you can set long expiry times for storing browsing history and personal access data.
If you share access to your computer, you may consider setting your browser to delete your individual browsing data each time you close the browser. This is one way to access sites that place cookies and delete any visit information when you close your browsing session.
Install and constantly update anti-spyware applications.
Many spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of attacks on websites. This prevents your browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.
MAKE SURE YOUR BROWSER IS ALWAYS UP TO DATE.
Many cookie-based attacks exploit weaknesses in older versions of browsers.
Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and biggest sites on the Internet - local or international. With a clear understanding of how they work and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can surf the internet with confidence.
Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain sites unusable or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that you will no longer receive/view online advertising.
It is possible to set your browser not to accept cookies or you can set your browser to accept cookies from a specific site. But, for example, if you are not registered using cookies, you will not be able to leave comments.
All modern browsers offer the possibility to change cookie settings. These settings are usually found in the "options" or "preferences" menu of your browser.
TO UNDERSTAND THESE SETTINGS, THE FOLLOWING LINKS MAY BE USEFUL, OTHERWISE YOU CAN USE THE "HELP" OPTION OF YOUR BROWSER FOR MORE DETAILS.
Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
Cookie settings in Firefox
Cookie settings in Chrome
Cookie settings in Safari
For third party cookie settings, you can also consult the website: http://www.youronlinechoices.com
10. USEFUL LINKS
If you want to know more information about cookies and what they are used for, we recommend the following links:
Microsoft Cookies guide
All About Cookies
http://www.youronlinechoices.com