Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how StrictPath Audit ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our online platforms. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

By continuing to use our website and services, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using the tools provided on our website.

2. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide a better user experience. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and allow websites to remember information about your visit.

Similar technologies include web beacons, pixel tags, local storage, and other tracking technologies that serve similar functions to cookies. When we refer to "cookies" in this policy, we include these similar technologies unless otherwise specified.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes:

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our website and services. They enable basic functions and security features, and the website cannot function properly without them. Essential cookies include:

• Authentication Cookies: Keep you logged in to your account during your session
• Security Cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery and other security threats
• Load Balancing Cookies: Distribute network traffic across our servers for optimal performance
• Cookie Consent Cookies: Remember your cookie preferences and consent choices
• Session Management: Maintain your session state and preferences during your visit
• Form Data: Temporarily store form information to prevent data loss during submission
• Shopping Cart: Remember items in your cart for service purchases

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This data helps us improve our website's performance and user experience:

• Usage Analytics: Track pages visited, time spent on site, bounce rates, and user flow patterns
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor site speed, loading times, and technical performance metrics
• Error Tracking: Identify and resolve technical issues and broken links
• A/B Testing: Test different versions of pages to improve user experience
• Heat Mapping: Understand how users interact with page elements
• Conversion Tracking: Measure the effectiveness of our marketing and user acquisition efforts
• Search Analytics: Analyze internal search queries to improve content and navigation
• Device Analytics: Understand device types, screen resolutions, and browser capabilities

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use:

• User Preferences: Remember your language settings, display preferences, and customization choices
• Personalization: Customize content and recommendations based on your interests and usage patterns
• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing and social media functionality
• Live Chat: Support customer service chat functionality
• Video Players: Remember video playback preferences and position
• Form Assistance: Remember previously entered information to simplify form completion
• Accessibility: Remember accessibility preferences and settings
• Regional Settings: Adapt content based on your geographic location
• Feature Toggles: Remember your preferences for optional features and beta functionality

4. Cookie Categories by Source

5. Cookie Duration and Retention

The duration for which cookies remain on your device varies depending on their purpose:

• Session Cookies: Automatically deleted when you close your browser
• Short-term Cookies: Typically expire within 24 hours to 30 days, used for temporary preferences and security
• Medium-term Cookies: Last 30 days to 6 months, used for user preferences and analytics
• Long-term Cookies: May persist for up to 2 years, used for long-term preferences and compliance requirements
• Authentication Cookies: Usually expire after 30 days of inactivity for security purposes
• Analytics Cookies: Typically retained for 13-26 months to provide meaningful trend analysis
• Functional Cookies: Vary from 30 days to 2 years depending on the specific functionality

6. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and improve our services in the following ways:

• Website Functionality: Enable core features like user authentication, form submission, and navigation
• Performance Optimization: Monitor and improve website speed, reliability, and user experience
• Security Enhancement: Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
• Personalization: Customize content, recommendations, and interface based on your preferences
• Analytics and Insights: Understand user behavior to improve our services and develop new features
• Customer Support: Provide better assistance by understanding your usage patterns and preferences
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure our services meet regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Quality Assurance: Identify and resolve technical issues and bugs
• Business Intelligence: Analyze trends and patterns to make informed business decisions
• User Research: Conduct studies to improve user experience and service design

7. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies and controlling your privacy:

7.1 Our Cookie Preference Center

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies for the full website experience
• Reject non-essential cookies while keeping essential functionality
• Customize your preferences by cookie category
• Access detailed information about each cookie type
• Change your preferences at any time through our preference center

7.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies from your device
• Set cookies to expire when you close your browser
• Receive notifications when cookies are being set
• Create exceptions for specific websites

7.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Tools

For analytics and advertising cookies, you can use industry opt-out tools:

• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Network Advertising Initiative opt-out tool
• Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our website:

• Essential Functions: Login, form submission, and security features may not work properly
• Personalization: You may need to re-enter preferences and settings on each visit
• Performance: The website may load more slowly or function less efficiently
• Analytics: We won't be able to improve our services based on usage data
• Support: Customer support may be less effective without usage context
• Features: Some advanced features and integrations may be unavailable
• Security: Certain security measures may be less effective

9. Third-Party Services and Cookies

We use carefully selected third-party services that may set their own cookies. These services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices:

• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for website usage analysis
• Security Services: Cloudflare, reCAPTCHA for protection against threats and spam
• Customer Support: Intercom, Zendesk for chat and support functionality
• Performance Monitoring: New Relic, DataDog for site performance optimization
• Content Delivery: CDN providers for faster content delivery
• Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal for secure payment handling
• Email Services: Mailchimp, SendGrid for communication and newsletters
• Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter for social sharing functionality

10. International Data Transfers

Some cookies may involve the transfer of data to countries outside your jurisdiction. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Standard contractual clauses for data protection
• Binding corporate rules for multinational service providers
• Certification under recognized privacy frameworks

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 through cookies or any other means. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users for significant changes
• Updating our cookie banner to reflect new practices

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies, this Cookie Policy, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: