Cookie Policy

1. What are Cookies (and Similar Technologies)?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, phone, tablet) by a website. They can be “session” cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (stored until they expire or you delete them). We also use similar technologies such as local storage, pixels/tags, and web beacons. These help us run the site, remember preferences, secure your session, and understand usage.

2. How We Classify Cookies

• Strictly Necessary — Required for the site to function (e.g., page navigation, account login, security, load balancing). These operate on the basis of our legitimate interests and do not require consent.
• Functional/Preference — Remember choices (e.g., language, region, UI settings). Disabled until you consent (where required).
• Analytics/Performance — Help us measure traffic and usage (e.g., which pages are popular) so we can improve the site. Disabled until you consent (where required).
• Advertising/Targeting — Used to deliver and measure ads or to build audiences. We keep these off by default and only enable them if you opt in.

3. Our Use of Cookies

We aim to provide a secure, reliable, and user-friendly experience. Typical purposes include:

• Security & session management — authenticate users, protect from fraud/abuse (e.g., rate-limiting, bot detection), and maintain session state.
• Preferences — remember language, currency, data-center selector, or UI choices.
• Analytics — understand page performance and usage patterns to improve features and content.
• Support & UX — power chat widgets or ticket portals (if enabled), remember forms, and reduce friction.

4. Analytics (Google Analytics 4)

Where enabled and with your consent, we use Google Analytics 4 (“GA4”) to understand how visitors use our site. GA4 may set cookies and collect usage data (e.g., page views, approximate geolocation, device/browser attributes). We configure GA4 with IP anonymization and apply data retention controls. Data may be processed on Google infrastructure outside the EEA; where transfers occur, safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses apply. For more about how we handle personal data, see our Privacy Policy. You can opt in/out anytime via Cookie Settings.

5. Your Choices & Controls

• Cookie banner / settings: Use our banner or Cookie Settings to accept, reject, or customize categories. You can withdraw consent at any time (it won’t affect prior lawful processing).
• Browser controls: You can block or delete cookies via your browser. See vendor guides:
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Edge/Internet Explorer
  • Safari
  • Opera
• Industry opt-outs: For interest-based advertising, see YourOnlineChoices (EU) or your device’s advertising settings.

Warning: Blocking certain cookies may break site features. Note: Your choices are browser/device-specific; set them on each browser and device you use.

6. Cookies We May Set (Examples)

Specific cookies depend on the page, feature set, and your selections in Cookie Settings. Examples include:

• Strictly Necessary: __cf_bm (bot management / CDN), session identifiers for Client Portal, load balancer cookies.
• Functional: language or UI-preference cookies (e.g., locale, site_pref).
• Analytics (GA4): _ga, _ga_* (usage metrics, with IP anonymization).
• Support Widgets (if enabled): cookies used by embedded chat/ticket providers to remember context.

We will present an up-to-date, detailed list (name, purpose, provider, duration, category) in the Cookie Settings panel.

7. Retention & Data Transfers

Cookies last for their stated lifespan unless deleted by you. Analytics data retention is limited and periodically reviewed. Some providers may process data outside the EEA; where they do, we rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses). For more, see our Privacy Policy.

8. Consent Records

Where required by law, we record your cookie consent choices (timestamp, categories) and periodically prompt you to reconfirm (typically every 12 months, or sooner if we materially change vendors or purposes). You can adjust preferences anytime via Cookie Settings.

9. Changes to this Cookie Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be announced on our website and/or via the cookie banner. Continued use of our site after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

10. Contact

For cookie or privacy questions, contact our Privacy Team: privacy@altushost.com.