We’ve all seen the pop-ups: “This site uses cookies to improve your experience.” Most of us click “Accept” faster than we bite into a choc-chip, barely thinking twice.
But what if those cookies — small files meant to help you stay logged in, keep your cart full, and remember your preferences — are also helping hackers steal your data?
Spoiler alert: they are.
🚨 94 Billion Cookies (Yes, Billion) Have Been Leaked on the Dark Web
New research from cybersecurity experts at NordVPN reveals a jaw-dropping 93.76 billion browser cookies have been stolen and traded on the dark web — up from 54 billion just a year ago. That’s a 74% jump in cookie theft, and if you’re thinking “surely I’m not affected,” think again.
Australia alone ranks 51st globally, with 308 million leaked cookies, nearly 25 million of which are still active — meaning they could still be used to hijack your online accounts.
Cookies may seem harmless, but cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven says it best:
“Cookies in the wrong hands are digital keys to our most private information.”
These data bits can bypass passwords, access your logged-in sessions, and spill personal info like your name, email, city, and even your physical address.
🔍 What Are Cookies Really Doing?
Cookies were created to enhance your online experience. They:
- Remember your login
- Keep shopping carts full
- Speed up website loading
- Personalise content
But like that second glass of wine on a school night — just because it feels good doesn’t mean it’s a great idea long-term.
Here’s how hackers use your cookies:
- Session hijacking (they don’t need your password)
- Identity theft (those autofill details? Stolen)
- Credential stuffing (using cookies to access multiple accounts)
Oh, and did we mention some of the biggest cookie contributors? Google, YouTube, Microsoft, and Bing — all with billions of cookies leaked.
Malware is the Cookie Monster You Should Worry About
Hackers don’t need a PhD in code to steal cookies — just the right malware. In 2025 alone, 38 malware strains were involved. This will only increase as AI makes malware more accessible to the masses.
🧹 Time to Clean Out Your Browser’s Cookie Jar
If your digital hygiene has been more “set and forget” than “clean and curate,” don’t panic — just start now.
Women Love Tech’s Cookie-Safe Checklist:
✅ Clear Your Cookies Regularly
Go to your browser settings and wipe them. Do it monthly. Weekly if you’re extra cautious.
✅ Use Private Browsing Modes
No cookies, no trails. Great for researching gifts, holiday plans or top-secret side hustles.
✅ Block Third-Party Trackers
Most browsers have a setting for this. Turn it on. Your future self will thank you.
✅ Install Anti-Tracking Extensions
Try tools like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro to block cookies and malware on the fly.
✅ Use a Password Manager + MFA
If your session is hijacked, this combo makes it harder to get fully locked out.
✅ Update. Everything.
Yes, those annoying software updates. They patch the very holes these malware strains sneak through.
✅ Be suspicious of “free” downloads and links
If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably malware in disguise.
🧁 Final Crumbs of Wisdom
We’re not saying swear off cookies forever — just get pickier about which ones you keep around. After all, your digital life is just as precious as your real one, and every cookie you clear is one less entry point for hackers.
At Women Love Tech, we believe knowledge is empowerment — and your browser deserves a clean start.
So go ahead, clear your cookies tonight. It might not be as satisfying as actual dessert… but it’s a whole lot better for your digital health.
Stay safe, stay smart, and remember: just because a cookie is sweet, doesn’t mean it’s safe.
