Cookie policy
Terms of Use
In accordance with the EU “e-Privacy” Directive, in force since May 26, 2012 and with the provisions of Law no. 506 of November 17, 2004 on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector, all website visitors are asked for their consent before cookies are sent to their computers.
What is a “cookie”?
An “Internet Cookie” (also known as a “browser cookie”, “HTTP cookie” or simply “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 the request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome) and is completely “passive” (it does not contain software programs, viruses or spyware and cannot access information on the user’s hard drive).
Purpose and use of cookies
The RNDVCSH website installs cookies only to allow for the improvement of the functions offered, so that the experience of visiting the website becomes more pleasant. RNDVCSH does not use cookies to collect, process, disseminate or record personal data.
“Cookies” play an important role in facilitating access and delivery of the multiple services that the user enjoys on the Internet, such as:
- Customizing certain settings such as:limba în care este vizualizat un site
- currency in which certain prices or rates are expressed
- keeping options for various products (measurements, other details, etc.) in the shopping cart (and memorizing these options) – thus generating the flexibility of the “shopping cart”
- accessing old preferences by accessing the “Next” and “Back” buttons
- Cookies provide website owners with feedback on how their websites are used by users, so that they can make them even more efficient and accessible to users;
- They allow multimedia or other applications from other websites to be included in a particular website to create a more valuable, useful and enjoyable browsing experience;
- They improve the effectiveness of online advertising.
What are the advantages of cookies?
A cookie contains information that connects a web browser (user) to a specific web server (website). If a browser accesses that web server again, it can read the information already stored and react accordingly. Cookies ensure a pleasant browsing experience for users and support the efforts of many websites to provide convenient services to users: e.g. online privacy preferences, site language options, shopping carts or relevant advertising.
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 is placed. Some cookies are used exclusively for a single session (session cookies) and are no longer retained once the user has left the website, while other cookies are retained and reused each time the user returns to that website (‘persistent cookies’). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time through their browser settings.
What are third-party cookies?
Certain sections of content on some websites may be provided by third parties/providers (e.g. news-box, video or advertisement).
These third parties may place cookies through another website and they are called “third party cookies” because they are not placed by the owner of the respective website.
Third party providers must also comply with applicable law and the privacy policies of the website owner.
A visit to the website may place cookies for the purposes of:
- website performance improvement;
- visitor analysis;
- geotargeting;
- user registration.
Other third-party cookies
On some pages, third parties may set their own anonymous cookies, in order to track the success of an application or to customize an application. Due to the way it is used, the website cannot access these cookies, just as third parties cannot access cookies held by that website. For example, when a user shares an article using a social media button on a website, that social network will record the user’s activity, not the website on which the button is located.
What type of information is stored and accessed through 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 improves your browsing experience, for example:
- language settings in which a site is accessed;
- keeping a user logged into the webmail account;
- online banking security;
- keeping products in the shopping cart.
Why are cookies important to the Internet?
Cookies are central to the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a friendly browsing experience adapted to the preferences and interests of each user. Refusing or disabling cookies may make some websites impossible to use. Refusing or disabling cookies does not mean that the user will no longer receive online advertising – it only means that it will no longer be able to take into account the user’s preferences and interests, as evidenced by their browsing behavior.
Examples of important uses of cookies (which do not require a user to authenticate through an account):
- content and services tailored to user preferences – categories of news, weather, sports, maps, public and government services, entertainment websites and tourism services;
- offers tailored to user interests – remembering passwords, language preferences (e.g. displaying search results in Romanian)
- remembering child protection filters regarding Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions);
- measurement, optimization and analytics features – such as: confirming a certain level of traffic on a website, what type of content is viewed and how a user arrives at a website (e.g. through search engines, directly, from other websites, etc.). Website owners carry out these analyses to improve websites, for the benefit of users.
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 run automatically. Consequently, they cannot duplicate or replicate 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. Since they store information about the preferences and browsing history of users, both on a particular website and on other websites, 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 their anti-virus/anti-spyware deletion/scanning procedures. Generally, browsers have integrated privacy settings, which provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a particular 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 possible problems cookies can create.
Because they constantly transmit information back and forth between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person interferes with the data transmission, 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 misconfiguring cookies on web 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 over unsecured channels. The attackers can then use the information to gain unauthorized access to certain sites.
It is very important that users 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 websites, including the largest ones, use cookies, they are almost inevitable. Disabling cookies will not allow the user to access the most widespread and used sites, including: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.
Here are some more tips that can ensure you browse without worry, but with the help of cookies:
- customize your browser settings regarding cookies to reflect a comfortable level of cookie security for you;
- if you do not mind cookies and are the only person using the computer, you can set long expiration times for storing browsing history and personal access data;
- if you share access to the computer, you can consider setting your browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close the browser. This is an option to access websites that place cookies and delete any visit information when you close the browsing session;
- install and constantly update antispyware applications. Many spyware detection and prevention applications include detection of attacks on websites. This prevents the browser from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software;
- make sure that you always have your browser up to date. Many cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting weaknesses in old browser versions.
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 operate and the benefits they bring, you can take the necessary security measures so that you can browse the Internet with confidence.
What do you do if you do not want cookies to be installed on your computer?
There are people for whom the storage of information extracted from their computer or mobile device is relatively invasive, especially when the information in question is stored and used by third parties unknown to them. If you prefer, you have the option to block all cookies or only some of them or even to remove cookies that have been installed on your terminal. Be aware, however, that you risk not being able to use certain functions. To activate this blocking, you must modify the privacy settings of your browser. Some third-party operators have developed tools whose modules allow the collection and use of data to be deactivated. Deactivation and refusal to receive cookies may make certain sites impractical or difficult to visit and use. Also, refusing to accept cookies does not mean that the user will no longer receive/see online advertising. It is possible to adjust the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted, or the browser can be adjusted to accept cookies from a specific website. But, for example, if a user is not registered using cookies, they will not be able to leave comments. All modern browsers offer the ability to change cookie settings.
These settings are usually found in the browser’s “Options”, “Settings” or “Preferences” menus (buttons).
If Users do not agree to the terms and conditions imposed, they must stop accessing this service..
General rules
The site administrator declares the following:
- We will make all reasonable efforts to achieve the purpose of the site;
- We will make all efforts (technically or otherwise) to ensure the proper functioning of the site; however, there may be interruptions in operation, or impossibility of access by Users, for an indefinite period of time, for any reason;
- As new situations of any nature arise that require this, the Administrator may modify the conditions and terms of use.