Global Finder Cookie Policy

This website uses both own and third-party cookies to provide visitors with a much better browsing experience and services tailored to their needs and interests.

In accordance with the EU e-Privacy Directive, in force since 26 May 2012 and the provisions of Law No. 506 of 17 November 2004 on the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in electronic communications, all visitors are asked for their consent before sending cookies to their computers.

What is a “cookie”?

An “Internet cookie” (also known as “browser cookie”, “HTTP cookie” or simply “cookie”) is a small file, consisting of letters and numbers, that will be stored on a user's computer, mobile terminal or other equipment from which the Internet is accessed. The cookie is installed by a request issued by a web server to a browser (e.g.: Internet Explorer, Chrome) and it is completely “passive” (it does not contain software, viruses or spyware and cannot access the information on the user's hard drive).

 “Cookies” play an important role in facilitating access and delivery of multiple services that a user enjoys on the Internet, such as:

• Customizing certain settings, such as:

- the language in which a website is viewed;

- the currency in which certain prices or tariffs are expressed;

– accessing old preferences by clicking on the “forward” and “back” button.

• 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 links 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 provide users with a pleasant browsing experience and support the efforts of many websites to provide comfortable services to users: e.g., online privacy preferences, website language options or relevant advertising.

What is the lifetime of a cookie?

Cookies are managed by web servers. The lifetime of a cookie can vary significantly depending on the purpose for which it is placed. Some cookies are only used for one session (session cookies) and are no longer kept once the user has left the website, while other cookies are kept and reused each time the user returns to that website (‘persistent cookies’). However, cookies can be deleted by a user at any time via browser settings.

What are cookies placed by third parties?

Certain sections of content on some websites may be provided through 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 that website. Third-party providers must also comply with the applicable law and the privacy policies of the website owner.

These cookies may come from the following third parties: facebook.com, twitter.com etc.

How cookies are used by the website

A visit to the website may place cookies:

• to increase the performance of the website;

• for visitor analysis;

• for geotargeting;

• for 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 of use, the website cannot access these cookies, just as third parties cannot access the cookies held by that website. For example, when the user distributes an article using the social network 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 the Internet browsing experience, for example:

• the language settings in which you want to access a website;

• keeping a user logged in to your webmail account;

• online banking security;

Why are cookies important for the Internet?

Cookies are the central point of the efficient functioning of the Internet, helping to generate a user-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 – only that it will no longer be able to take into account the preferences and interests of the user, highlighted by the browsing behaviour.

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

• content and services tailored to user preferences – categories of news, weather, sports, maps, public and government services, fun websites and tourism services;

• offers tailored to the interests of users – remembering passwords, language preferences (e.g.: displaying search results in Romanian)

• retaining child protection filters on Internet content (family mode options, safe search functions);

• measurement, optimization and analytic features – such as: confirming a certain level of traffic on a website, what type of content is viewed and how a user arrives on a website (e.g., through search engines, directly, from other websites etc.). Website owners conduct these analyses to refine 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. As a result, they cannot duplicate or replicate 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. Since they store information about user preferences and browsing history, 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 anti-virus/anti-spyware removal/scanning procedures. In general, browsers have integrated privacy settings, which provide different levels of cookie acceptance, validity period and automatic deletion after the user has visited a particular website.

Other security aspects related to cookies

Since identity protection is very valuable and represents the right of every Internet user, it is advisable to know what possible problems cookies may create.

Because through them information is constantly transmitted, in both directions, between the browser and the website, if an attacker or unauthorized person intervenes during the transmission of the data, the information contained in the cookie can be intercepted. Although very rarely, 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 wrong cookie settings 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 through unsecured channels. Attackers then use the information for unauthorized access to certain websites.

It is very important for users to 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 access to the most widely used websites, including: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, Yahoo and others.

Here are some tips that can ensure you navigate without care, but with the help of cookies:

• customize your browser settings, in terms of cookies, to reflect a comfortable level of security for your use of cookies;

• if you do not mind cookies and you are the only person using your computer, you can adjust long expiry times for storing your browsing history and personal access data;

• if you share access to your computer, you can consider adjusting your browser to delete individual browsing data each time you close your browser. This is a way to access the websites that place cookies and to delete any visiting information when the browsing session is closed;

• constantly install and update your anti-spyware applications. Many of the spyware detection and prevention applications include detecting attacks on websites. Thus, they prevent browsers from accessing websites that could exploit browser vulnerabilities or download dangerous software;

• make sure your browser is always up-to-date. Many of the cookie-based attacks are carried out by exploiting the weaknesses of old versions of browsers.

Cookies are everywhere and cannot be avoided, especially if you want to enjoy access to the best and largest websites 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 you can surf the Internet with confidence.

What do you do if you do not want cookies 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 possibility to block all or only some cookies or even remove cookies that have been installed on your terminal. However, be aware that you risk not being able to use certain functions. To enable this block, you must change the browser's privacy parameters. Some third-party operators have developed tools whose modules enable the collection and use of data to be disabled. Disabling and refusing to receive cookies may make certain websites 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 from the browser so that these cookies are no longer accepted or you can adjust the browser to accept cookies from a particular 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 possibility to change cookie settings.

These adjustments are usually found in the “Options”, “Settings” or “Preferences” menus (buttons) of the browser.