Index
Policy // Cookies

Cookie
Policy.

“Full transparency in how we use cookies. You control your data — always.”

Ref: COOK-2026
Status: Active
Rev: 1.0

01. What Are Cookies

Definition

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our platform. They help us recognise your device, remember your preferences, and understand how you interact with our content. Cookies are a standard technology used by virtually all websites.

Our Approach

As a cybersecurity education platform, we take data privacy seriously. We use the minimum cookies necessary for platform operation, give you full control over optional cookies, and never sell cookie data to third parties. All consent records are stored locally on your device.

02. How We Use Cookies

We classify cookies into three categories based on their purpose. Each category serves a distinct function:

  • Essential — Required for the platform to operate (authentication, security, consent storage).
  • Functional — Enhance usability by remembering preferences (theme, currency, UI state).
  • Analytics — Help us understand platform usage patterns to improve content and performance.

03. Cookie Inventory

Below is a complete list of every cookie used by this platform, organised by category. This inventory is maintained as part of our data processing records.

Essential Cookies

Always Active

These cookies are strictly necessary for the platform to function. They enable core features like authentication, security, and session management. Without them, the site cannot operate properly.

Cookie NamePurpose
better-auth.session_tokenMaintains your login session securely
otsec_cookie_consentStores your cookie consent preferences
__vercel_*Platform infrastructure and edge routing
csrf_tokenPrevents cross-site request forgery attacks

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your theme preference, currency selection, and language. Disabling these may reduce the quality of your experience.

Cookie NamePurpose
themeRemembers your dark/light mode preference
geo_currencyCaches your detected currency (INR/USD) for pricing
sidebar_collapsedRemembers admin sidebar state

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This data helps us improve course delivery, content quality, and user experience.

Cookie NamePurpose
_ga, _ga_*Google Analytics — tracks page views, user journeys, and platform performance
_gidGoogle Analytics — distinguishes unique users

04. Your Rights & Controls

Cookie Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time using our Cookie Settings panel. This will update your consent record and remove any cookies from disabled categories.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent the platform from functioning correctly.

05. Legal Framework

GDPR

Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation, we obtain explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time via our cookie settings.

ePrivacy Directive

In compliance with the ePrivacy Directive, we provide clear information about each cookie's purpose and obtain informed consent for all non-strictly-necessary cookies.

CCPA

California residents have the right to know what personal data is collected via cookies, request deletion, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal data.

06. Data Retention & Storage

Consent Records

Your cookie consent preferences are stored locally on your device in a first-party cookie. A unique consent ID is generated for audit purposes. Consent records are retained for 365 days and then re-prompted.

Third-Party Data

Third-party cookies (e.g. analytics) are governed by their respective provider's privacy policies. When you disable a category, we actively remove those cookies from your browser and stop loading the associated scripts.

07. Contact & Updates

Questions

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at contact@otsec.academy or visit our contact page.

Policy Updates

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for regulatory reasons. When significant changes are made, we will re-prompt for consent by invalidating the current consent version.

Want to review or change your cookie preferences?