What is a “cookie”?
An “Internet Cookie” (also known as a “browser cookie” or “HTTP cookie” or simply “cookie”) is a small file, made up of letters and numbers, that will be stored on a computer, mobile terminal, or other devices from which a user accesses the Internet.
The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome) and is completely “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information from the user’s hard drive). The cookie stores certain information (for example, the preferred language or web page settings), which your browser can retransfer to us when you access the web page again (depending on the lifespan of the cookie).
Cookies themselves do not require personal information to be used and, in most cases, do not personally identify Internet users.
What cookies do we use?
Depending on their purpose, cookies are divided into two categories:
- Session cookies
- Persistent cookies
Session cookies are temporarily stored files, only during the browsing period, by the Internet browser used by the user. These are also known as necessary or functionality cookies and are automatically activated to ensure the proper functioning of the website. Session cookies are deleted once the browser is closed.
Persistent cookies are stored on the user's device from which the website is accessed to improve navigation by recording user preferences, ensuring a simpler, faster, and more interactive browsing experience. They have a longer lifespan, depending on the cookie parameters or until manually deleted by the user by changing the settings of the browser used.
Types of cookies by their role
Strictly necessary cookies
These types of cookies are necessary for the proper functioning of web pages. Strictly necessary cookies allow you to navigate the site and benefit from its features. Without these cookies, we would not be able to offer certain features, such as automatic redirection to the least busy server or retaining your wishlist.
Functional cookies
Functional cookies record information related to user choices and also allow website operators to customize the site according to user preferences. For example, cookies can be used to save preferences related to category/segment.
Performance and analytics cookies
These types of cookies allow website operators to monitor visits and traffic sources, how users interact with the website, or certain sections of the website.
The information provided by analytics cookies helps operators understand how visitors use websites and then use this information to improve how content is presented to users.
Below, you can find an overview and more information about the cookies we use:
| Cookie Name | Source | Type + Purpose | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| bentley_confidential_session | bentleyconfidential.com | Functional cookie, maintains a secure session during the visit and is generated automatically. | Per session |
| _ga_4RWXZ1G29N | Google Analytics | Statistical cookie, used to analyze website traffic. | 2 years |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Statistical cookie, used to analyze website traffic. | 2 years |
| cookies_accept_all | bentleyconfidential.com | Functional cookie, used to remember cookie usage preferences. | 6 months |
| XSRF-TOKEN | bentleyconfidential.com | Functional cookie, used to maintain website security. | Per session |
| over18 | bentleyconfidential.com | Functional cookie, for consent of age over 18 years. | 20 days |
What is the lifespan of a cookie?
Cookies are managed by web servers. The lifespan of a cookie can vary significantly depending on the purpose for which it was placed. As mentioned above, some cookies are used exclusively for a single session and are not retained once the user leaves the website (session cookies), while other cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to the website (persistent cookies). However, cookies can be deleted by the user at any time through the browser settings.
What type of information is stored and accessed via cookies?
Cookies store information in a small text file that allows a website to recognize a browser. The web server will recognize the browser until the cookie expires or is deleted. The cookie stores important information that enhances the browsing experience on the Internet.
Customize your browser settings regarding cookies
If you are not bothered by cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration periods for storing browsing history and personal access data. If you share access to the computer, you might consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close the browser.
How can I stop cookies?
Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make our website difficult to visit, resulting in limitations in its usability. 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 might be helpful, and you can also use the "help" option of your browser for more details:
