You probably already know that site cookies are used to keep track of user-specific data; such as site preferences and usernames. But did you know that Flash cookies are also utilized in a similar manner, and that Flash cookies are not removed when you delete all cookies using traditional methods?
Seems Adobe have addressed this privacy concern by introducing a new feature in Adobe Flash 10.3 Release Candidate which allows for the deletion of Flash cookies. It integrates with Internet Explorer's (IE8 & IE9) 'Delete browsing history' feature to remove Flash cookies along with all the others.
Google are working on a similar function for its latest release of the Chrome browser. It has not yet been confirmed if Mozilla will follow suit but, seeing they actually collaborated with Adobe on the implementation of the new feature, it seems very likely it will be incorporated into Firefox somewhere down the track.
Adobe actually doing something proactive about security!!.......ceases will never wonder!!!!
Hi Jim,
[quote:1nsy6a2a]It has not yet been confirmed if Mozilla will follow suit but, seeing they actually collaborated with Adobe on the implementation of the new feature, it seems very likely it will be incorporated into Firefox somewhere down the track[/quote:1nsy6a2a]
If it'll work as good as BetterPrivacy, I welcome it - one less addon to to file under "irreplaceable". Do you know if it would only work with Firefox or any gecko engine based browser? Any links to read upon this (sorry, too lazy at the moment to go looking)?
The thing I like about the BetterPrivacy addon is that it clears the Macromedia folder, regardless of what browser (or not) put cookies into it. So, if you run a browser that supports this addon and that browser is the one you close last, you don't have to worry about having the same feature in all of your browsers.
On a side note, CCleaner started taking care of what Adobe should have a long time ago; so, even if Adobe doesn't do well, even if you don't use Firefox with BetterPrivacy, if you use CCleaner you're still covered .
I am human
[quote:jjxsm5c7]Do you know if it would only work with Firefox or any gecko engine based browser? [/quote:jjxsm5c7]
Haven't a clue FD. It hasn't even been confirmed that FF will incorporate a similar feature yet. Although, it is almost certain they will...the whens and hows are all unknown at this stage.
[quote:jjxsm5c7]Any links to read upon this[/quote:jjxsm5c7]
Yes, [url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20059653-75.html?tag=rb_content;main:jjxsm5c7]HERE[/url:jjxsm5c7] and [url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20057782-264.html?tag=mncol;txt:jjxsm5c7]HERE[/url:jjxsm5c7].
(There's not a lot of information out there because it is all pretty much still either in planning or Beta stage at the moment).
[quote:jjxsm5c7]if you use CCleaner you're still covered[/quote:jjxsm5c7]
Good point FD. Trouble is; although most would have CCleaner on board, many only utilise it now and then, some never at all.......go figure!!
The latest Adobe Flash Player (v.10.3.181.14) adds a control panel in ... Control Panel (sort of like Java does).
It allows you to set your preferences and clear all related data, but it does not clear settings.sol (which keeps your prefered settings). To me it feels like the one Adobe had (has?) online. Basically you get the same thing, just in your own Control Panel? IMHO, not much progress.
I assume that the delete feature from the Flash Player control panel is the one implemented within IE8 & IE9.
From what I could see, BetterPrivacy does a better/ more thorough job.
Anyone else?
I am human
[quote="Flying Dutchman":1ie6sg80]The latest Adobe Flash Player (v.10.3.181.14) adds a control panel in ... Control Panel (sort of like Java does).[/quote:1ie6sg80]
It's about time! Now, if we could just get 64bit support.
Third party utilities, like the one I use ClearProg is able to clear history traces of almost every program out there, including Flash, just like the more know CCleaner, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
I believe that I have discovered a satisfactory means of dealing with Flash Cookies.
I am not an expert & my experiment has been done on a Windows XP platform.
After properly working with the Adobe site to restrict Flash Cookies, Flash Cookies still appear, as confirmed by Flash Cookie Cleaner and Flash Cookies View.
I changed security permissions on 2 files such that access is denied and seem to have prevented infection (if you want to call it that) while not inhibiting expectations. Those 2 files, along the ever-so-familiar file tree from Macromedia down are '# SharedObjects' and further down 'sys'. I can easily change back these properties when my curiosity rises, but generally the door is locked, access is denied.
Properties > Security > Advanced >
first uncheck [ ] Inherit ...
then Edit (each) to deny all
My tests included YouTube's 's.ytimg.com', Amazon's 'images-na.ssl-images-...', and general internet touring that delivers 'settings.sol'.
I don't expect that I have been clever, so I suspect that what appears to me to work, probably has issues that I don't appreciate. Could others please respond to this observation/discovery?
Interesting findings. How did you embark on this little "adventure"?
What permissions did you assign the files?
Sorry, I used poor/wrong terminology. I didn't change the permissions on two files, rather on two folders.
Following the clues in my posting, I effectively checked 'deny all' (essentially denying access) to the two identified folders.
So far I have found no problem in doing those things I would normally do, order from Amazon, watch YouTube, travel around the web on searches.
I was in the habit of immediately deleting flash cookies with Flash Cookie Cleaner, anytime I suspected that something could be left behind.
Now, everytime I check, either by report from Flash Cookie Cleaner or Flach Cookie View or by changing folder permissions long enough to look inside, there are no nasties.
I can't believe that it is this simple, so I wonder if there is wisdom on this forum that could speak about my ignorance.
Thanks
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