This policy refers to cookies and web pages operated by IQ VERDE S.R.L. with its registered office at Strada George Constantinescu, No. 2C Multigalaxy Business Park MG2, Sector 2, Bucharest, 020339.

WHAT ARE COOKIES?

A cookie is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, that will be stored on a user's computer, mobile terminal, or other equipment used to access the internet. The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely "passive" (it does not contain software, viruses, or spyware and cannot access information on the user's hard drive).

WHAT ARE COOKIES USED FOR?

These files make it possible to recognize the user's terminal and present content in a relevant way, adapted to the user's preferences. Cookies ensure users a pleasant browsing experience and support IQBox's efforts to provide comfortable services to users: e.g., online privacy preferences, shopping cart, or relevant advertising. They are also used to prepare aggregate anonymous statistics that help us understand how a user benefits from our web pages, allowing us to improve their structure and content, excluding the user's personal identification.

WHAT COOKIES DO WE USE?

We use two types of cookies: session and persistent. The former are temporary files that remain in the user's terminal until the session ends or the application (web browser) is closed. Persistent files remain on the user's terminal for a period within the parameters of the cookie or until they are manually deleted by the user.

HOW ARE COOKIES USED BY THIS SITE?

A visit to this site may place cookies for the purposes of:

• Site performance cookies
• Visitor analysis cookies
• Geotargeting cookies
• Registration cookies
• Advertising cookies
• Advertising provider cookies
  
  

DO COOKIES CONTAIN PERSONAL DATA?

Cookies themselves do not require personal information in order to be used and do not personally identify internet users. Personal data collected through the use of cookies may only be collected to facilitate certain functionalities for the user. Such data is encrypted in a way that makes unauthorized access to it impossible.

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 so that the automatic administration of cookies is blocked by the web browser or the user is informed every time cookies are sent to their terminal. Detailed information about the possibilities and ways of managing cookies can be found in the settings area of the application (web browser). Limiting the use of cookies may affect certain functionalities of the web page.

WHY ARE COOKIES IMPORTANT FOR THE INTERNET?

Cookies represent the central point of the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a browsing experience that is friendly and adapted to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some sites impossible to use.

Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising – it just means it will no longer be able to take into account your preferences and interests, highlighted by your browsing behavior.

Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require user authentication via an account):

• Content and services adapted to user preferences – categories of products and services.
• Offers adapted to user interests – password retention.
• Retention of child protection filters regarding Internet content (family mode options, safe search features).
• Limiting the frequency of ad delivery – limiting the number of times an ad is displayed to a particular user on a site.
• Providing more relevant advertising for the user.
• Measurement, optimization, and analytics features – such as confirming a certain level of traffic to a website, what type of content is viewed, and how a user arrives at a website (e.g., via search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Websites run these usage analyses to improve their sites for the benefit of users.

SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 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 self-run. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate themselves on other networks to run or replicate again. Because 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 specific site and on several other sites, cookies can be used as a form of Spyware. Many anti-spyware products are aware of this fact and constantly mark cookies for deletion as part of anti-virus/anti-spyware deletion/scanning procedures.

In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings that provide different levels of cookie acceptance, expiration periods, and automatic deletion after the user has visited a certain site.

Other security aspects related to cookies:

Because identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every internet user, it is advisable to know what potential problems cookies can create. Because information is constantly transmitted in both directions between the browser and the website through them, if an attacker or unauthorized 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 for the purpose of unauthorized access to certain sites. It is very important to be careful in choosing the most appropriate method for protecting your 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 widespread and used sites, including YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo, and others.

Here are some tips that can ensure you browse worry-free with the help of cookies:

• Customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a level of cookie security that is comfortable for you.
• If you are not bothered by cookies and you are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration terms for storing your browsing history and personal access data.
• If you share access to the computer, you can consider setting the browser to delete individual browsing data every time you close the browser. This is a way to access sites that place cookies and delete any visitor information upon closing the browsing session.
• Install and constantly update your antispyware applications.

Many spyware detection and prevention applications include site attack detection. Thus, they prevent the browser from accessing websites that might exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software.

Make sure your browser is always up to date.

Many cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting the weaknesses of older versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest sites on the Internet – local or international. With a clear understanding of how they operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can browse the internet with confidence.

Disabling and refusing to receive cookies can make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean you will no longer receive/see online advertising.

It is possible to set your browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted, or you can set the 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, or you can use the browser's "help" option for more details.

• Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
• Cookie settings in Firefox
• Cookie settings in Chrome
• Cookie settings in Safari

For settings of cookies generated by third parties, you can also consult the site:

http://www.youronlinechoices.com/ro/