In web browsing and internet security, which type of cookies are also known as transient cookies because they exist only while the browser session is open and are deleted automatically when you close the browser?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Session cookies

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is from the topic of web technologies and internet privacy. When you visit websites, small pieces of data called cookies are stored by your browser. Different categories of cookies behave in different ways and have different privacy implications. One important distinction is between cookies that live only for a single browsing session and cookies that persist across many sessions. The term transient cookies is associated with this difference.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question refers to cookies that are called transient cookies.
  • These cookies are linked to a browser session.
  • They are deleted automatically when the browser is closed.
  • Options include persistent cookies, second party cookies, session cookies, third party cookies and tracking cookies.


Concept / Approach:
Session cookies are temporary cookies that are stored only in memory while the browser session is active. When you close the browser, they are normally deleted automatically. Because of this short life span, they are also known as transient cookies. Persistent cookies, by contrast, remain on your device for a longer period, until they expire or are deleted by the user. Third party cookies and tracking cookies describe who sets the cookie or how it is used, not its lifetime. Second party cookies is not a commonly used category in basic exam texts.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the keyword transient. It suggests something that is temporary and does not last for long. Step 2: In cookie terminology, the temporary cookies that last only for a single browsing session are called session cookies. Step 3: Session cookies store information such as items in a shopping cart or login status while you move between pages, but they are removed when the browser closes. Step 4: Persistent cookies, on the other hand, have an expiry date and can remain on the computer for days or months, so they are not transient. Step 5: Third party cookies are set by a domain different from the one you are visiting and are often used for advertising, but they can be either session or persistent. Step 6: Tracking cookies again describe usage for tracking behaviour and are not a lifetime category. Step 7: Second party cookies are not a standard textbook category and can be ignored for simple exam questions. Step 8: Therefore, the only type of cookie given that matches the idea of transient cookies is session cookies.


Verification / Alternative check:
If you consult web development or internet security references, you will find statements such as session cookies, also known as transient cookies, are stored only in temporary memory while the user navigates the website and are deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies, by contrast, are stored on the device until they expire. This wording closely mirrors the language of the question, confirming that session cookies is the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Persistent cookies do not qualify as transient because they are designed to persist beyond the current session. Second party cookies are not widely used as a standard label. Third party cookies describe who sets the cookie, not how long it lives. Tracking cookies again refer to purpose rather than lifetime. None of these names specifically identify cookies that exist only during a single session.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse persistent and session cookies if they focus only on the idea that both are small files stored by websites. To avoid this, always link the word persistent with long term presence and the word session with a single visit or login period. Remember that transient is another way to say session based and will guide you to the correct term in exam questions.


Final Answer:
Transient cookies that are deleted when the browser is closed are session cookies.

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