Cookie & Tracking Policy
Last Updated: February 2025
We want to be upfront about how shrktool.com uses tracking technologies. This page explains what cookies and similar tools we use, why we need them, and how you can manage your preferences.
Look, we get it. Nobody enjoys reading these policies. But if you care about your privacy when learning about operating system security, this matters. We've tried to make it straightforward.
What Are Cookies Anyway?
Cookies are tiny text files that get stored on your device when you visit websites. They help the site remember things about you – like your preferences or login status.
Think of them as sticky notes that websites leave on your browser. Some are helpful (remembering you're logged in). Others track what you click on so advertisers can follow you around the internet. We're transparent about both types.
Types of Tracking We Use
1 Essential Cookies
These keep the site functioning. They remember if you're logged in, protect against security threats, and ensure pages load correctly. You can't disable these – the site literally won't work without them. Duration: Session or up to 12 months.
2 Functional Cookies
These remember your choices – like language preference or form inputs. Makes your experience smoother when you return. Not strictly necessary, but they save you from repeating yourself every visit. Duration: Up to 24 months.
3 Analytics Cookies
We use these to understand how people navigate our educational content. Which articles get read? Where do visitors drop off? This helps us improve the learning experience. We anonymize this data. Duration: Up to 26 months.
4 Marketing Cookies
These track your browsing to show relevant ads and measure campaign performance. They're the reason ads sometimes feel eerily targeted. You can opt out of these without affecting site functionality. Duration: Up to 13 months.
Take Control Right Now
Want to reject all non-essential tracking? Click below. We'll stop analytics and marketing cookies immediately. Essential ones stay active to keep the site working.
Specific Cookies We Use
Here's the actual list of what gets stored when you visit shrktool.com:
- shrk_session: Keeps you logged in while browsing (Essential, expires after session)
- shrk_preferences: Remembers your site settings and choices (Functional, 24 months)
- _ga, _gid: Google Analytics tracking for visitor patterns (Analytics, 26 months)
- shrk_consent: Stores your cookie preference choice (Essential, 12 months)
- utm_source: Tracks which campaigns bring visitors here (Marketing, 6 months)
Managing Cookies Through Your Browser
Don't want to use our button? You can control cookies directly through your browser settings. Every major browser lets you block, delete, or limit tracking.
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data. Choose "Block third-party cookies" or clear all stored data.
Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data. Select "Standard" or "Strict" protection level.
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data. Choose "Block all cookies" or remove specific sites.
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies. Configure blocking preferences.
How Long We Keep This Data
Different cookies have different lifespans based on their purpose. Essential session cookies disappear when you close your browser. Analytics cookies might stick around for a couple years to track long-term trends.
When you reject cookies using our tool above, we delete existing non-essential cookies immediately and prevent new ones from being set. Your rejection preference itself gets stored (ironically, in a cookie) so we remember your choice for future visits.
Third-Party Tracking
Sometimes we embed content from other services – like video tutorials or social media feeds. When we do, those third parties might set their own cookies.
We try to minimize this. But if you watch a YouTube video embedded on our site, Google will track that. Same with embedded tweets or other external content. Check those services' privacy policies for details on their tracking practices.
Changes to This Policy
We update this policy when our tracking practices change. Last update was February 2025. If we make significant changes, we'll notify users through a banner on the site.
Check back occasionally if you want to stay current. Or just reach out if you have specific questions about how we handle your data.
Questions About Our Cookie Usage?
Reach out anytime if something isn't clear or if you need help managing your preferences.
Email: contact@shrktool.com
Mail: 199 N Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070, United States
Phone: +1 407-982-2696