1. Open Internet Explorer 9
2. Click on the Tools icon on the very right at the top and then on Internet Options:
3. Next, at the top switch to the tab Privacy and click on the Advanced button:
4. Now, you can Allow or Block First-Party Cookies and Third-Party Cookies. Additionally you can always enable Session Cookies.
Recommendations: Block third-party cookies, Accept first-party cookies and Always allow session cookies. Explanations below!
What are First-Party Cookies?
First-party cookies are from website that you are currently visiting. Let’s say you head over to microsoft.com to download the latest updates for Windows then all cookies from microsoft.com are considered first-party cookies because the source of the cookie matches the website that you visited.
What Are Third-Party Cookies?
Following this pattern, if you visit microsoft.com and Microsoft loads some adverts from intel.com because of their partnership with Intel, then all cookies from intel.com will be considered third-party cookies, because they do not match the original source and are loaded from an external party.
Should I Disable First-Party or Third-Party Cookies?
Third-party cookies from spam sites often contain only malware and spyware cookies, so it is recommended to disable third-party cookies and enable first-party cookies. If you also disable first-party cookies you will often have to enter your password and other form data over and over again. Usually, first-party cookies are more safe than third-party cookies, but they can also contain malicious code.
Tip: Enable first-party cookies and disable third-party cookies in IE9!
What Are Session Cookies?
Session cookies are important to store information on your currently opened website, they allow the website to recognize you when you visit another subpage.
Let’s say you visit amazon.com and you add something to your cart, without sessions cookies amazon.com can’t keep track of your current cart (unless you save it) and won’t remember it if you visit a subpage of amazon.com for example amazon.com/shop1. Obviously, there are other mechanisms that Amazon can use to store your cart, but that’s another story.
Tip: Enable session cookies to be recognized within a website!