A “cookie” is a small data file that is stored on your access device. This data file was generated and sent to you by the web server you used to connect to the Internet through your browser. In general, we use cookies to analyse interest in our websites and improve their usability. Essentially, you may access our websites without using cookies. However, in order to use them to the full, you must accept the cookies described below. For example, our cookies mean that you do not to have to identify yourself with your username and password in the login area each time you visit a new website.
By browsing our pages and accepting cookies according to your browser settings, you consent to the use of cookies. The default setting of most browsers is to accept cookies automatically. However, you may configure your browser so that cookies are displayed or generally rejected before they are stored. You can find further information regarding cookie settings and respective changes in the most common browsers:
Please note that any changes made to settings will only affect the respective browser. If you use different browsers, you will need to make changes to each of them separately. In addition, you may delete cookies from your storage unit at any time. For further information, use the help function of your browser or operating system.
The following are the most common types of cookies:
1. Session cookies
While browsing a website, a session cookie is temporarily stored in the memory of your computer. This cookie stores a session identifier that prevents you from having to repeatedly log in when navigating from page to page, for example. When you leave the page, session cookies are deleted or expire once the session has automatically expired.
2. Persistent or tracking cookies
A persistent or tracking cookie stores a file on your computer until it expires at a specific date. Whenever you revisit a website, this kind of cookie retrieves your information and settings. This will provide faster and more convenient access, as you do not need to reconfigure certain settings on our portal, such as the interface language, for example. At the expiry date, the cookie is automatically deleted when you visit the page that generated it.
3. Third-party cookies
Third-party cookies come from domains other than that of the website operator. They may, for example, be used to collect information for advertising, user-customised content and statistical data.
4. Flash cookies
Flash cookies are stored on your computer as data elements of web pages with content supported by Adobe Flash. Flash cookies have no expiry date.