Final answer:
Cookies are small text files stored by websites to track activity and enhance user experience. While not inherently dangerous, they can be exploited for malicious purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user's computer to track their activity and remember information about them. They are commonly used to enhance user experience by storing preferences and login information. While cookies themselves do not pose a direct security threat, they can be used for malicious purposes if they are exploited by attackers. For example, third-party cookies can be used for tracking and targeted advertising, and if a malicious website gains access to a user's cookies, they may be able to impersonate the user or gain unauthorized access to their accounts. To protect against potential security risks, it is important to regularly clear cookies, use secure websites (preferably with HTTPS encryption), and be cautious of sharing personal information online.