Last updated May 25, 2018
The following information is being made available for your education and reference purposes. We hope you find it helpful and informative as privacy and data security are important to all of us. Here's what you can learn about in this Resource Center:
Other public online safety resources:
Cookies are pieces of information that are transferred from websites to your computer's hard drive and they may serve a variety of purposes. Web beacons, flash cookies and other similar technologies may also be used for these purposes. For example, cookies “remember” you when you return to a website and make your experience more user-friendly. Cookies identify which web pages are visited and how often. Cookies are also used to allow companies to better understand how their websites are used to improve their services.
| Types of Cookies, How They Are Used and The Potential Impact If Disabled | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Potential impact if disabled |
| Session Cookies | Used to support website functionality | Access to website content and features may be limited |
| Preference Cookies | Used to remember user preferences from one visit to the next | Preference will need to be reset on each visit to the website. This may also disable the ability have websites “remember” you at time of login |
| Advertising Cookies | Used to serve you advertisements that may be relevant to you and your interests | Advertisements will still be displayed but will be more random and may be less relevant to you and your interests |
| Security Cookies | Used as a component of a website's general security and user authentication processes | Access to website and features may be limited |
How to disable or delete cookies
If you want to prevent your browser from accepting cookies, if you want to be informed whenever a cookie is stored on your computer or if you want to delete cookies from your computer, please make the necessary changes in your Internet browser settings, typically under the sections “Help” or “Internet Options”. See links below:
If you disable or delete cookies in your Internet browser settings, you might not be able to access important functions or features, you will be required to re-enter your log-in details and your use of the website may be limited.
Please note that if you clear all cookies on your browser, or use a different browser or computer, you will need to complete the opt-out procedure again.
To opt out from flash cookies, please click here: //www.adobe.com/privacy/opt-out.html.
Advertising Brokers
Cookies also enable companies to market products and services and deliver targeted advertising to you. You can opt-out of receiving personalized ads from third party advertisers and ad networks using the opt-out features at Digital Advertising Alliance or the Network Advertising Initiative. AdChoices, indicated by the 
icon is an example of a service some websites offer to assist in managing Interest-Based advertising choices. If your browsers are configured to reject cookies when you visit these pages, or if you subsequently erase your cookies, use a different device or change web browsers, your opt-out may become ineffective and may need to be repeated.
Website Analytics
Websites use tools to track and manage website traffic. Google Analytics is a commonly used tool for this purpose. Individuals may opt out of Google Analytics tracking by visiting https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Note: If your browsers are configured to reject cookies, or if you subsequently erase your cookies, use a different device or change web browsers, opt-out elections may become ineffective and may need to be repeated.
Bluetooth beacons transmit a low-power signal that can be received within short distances by nearby Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices and recognized by apps a smartphone user has downloaded. Beacons only broadcast signals, and don't collect any data.  With the user's permission, an app on a device can use the beacon's signals to know when the mobile device is close to the beacon.
Mobile Devices and Location Services
Mobile devices offer access to many features including applications developed specifically for mobile devices and direct access to the internet via browsers. These devices also provide additional services including location services which broadcast your location and notifications services that allow you to receive messages. You can disable the GPS locator or push notifications on your mobile device via your device settings. Learn more about mobile devices and location services.
Phishing: This occurs when scammers send legitimate-looking emails to illegitimately gather personal and financial information. The emails look just like a legitimate email and often use company logos. If the customer falls for the bait, the thief could get credit card numbers, PINs, account passwords, expiration dates, credit card/bank account numbers and even Social Security numbers. Don't click on links in emails unless you've requested the email or somehow otherwise know it is real. Learn more about phishing.
Vishing: Vishing is like "phishing" but uses a phone (baiting people by voice instead of email. Scammers pose as a known retailer or bank. They often call saying they need to verify information on file asking the individual to provide their personal information.
Don't provide sensitive information over the phone when asked, instead contact the company directly at a number you find on a statement of on their website. Don't call a number you are provided over the phone. Learn more about vishing.
Smishing: In these scammers use text messages, called "SMS" messages, instead of emails or phone calls. They have been seen with messages of winning a contest. Learn more about smishing.
Steps to consider in protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft:
|
Equifax |
Experian |
TransUnion |
Effective as of May 25, 2018 the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will replace the currently applicable EU Data Protection Directive and it will override existing EU national privacy laws. The GDPR will require new or additional obligations on all companies that handle EU citizens' personal data, regardless of where the companies themselves are located. These regulations will only apply to the following affiliated companies: Makr, Marke Creative and to a certain extent, Staples Promotional Products. GDPR affords EU and EA citizens additional protections.
For example, you can request from us the following information:
For more information on GDPR, see: Official text of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Legal Disclaimer - This website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a contractual commitment or legal advice.
May 25, 2018 |
Initial version of the Information Security and Privacy Resource Cente |
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