Secure Cookies
Secure cookies are HTTP cookies that are transmitted only over encrypted HTTPS connections, preventing them from being intercepted by attackers during transmission. They are a web security mechanism used to protect sensitive session data, such as authentication tokens, from man-in-the-middle attacks. This ensures that cookies containing private information are not exposed in plaintext over unsecured networks.
Developers should implement secure cookies whenever handling sensitive user data, such as login sessions, personal identifiers, or payment information, to comply with security best practices and regulations like GDPR or PCI DSS. They are essential for web applications that require user authentication, e-commerce sites, or any service where data privacy is critical, as they mitigate risks like session hijacking and data breaches.