CyLynk Pty Ltd ("CyLynk", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our cybersecurity education platform, personalise content, provide essential functionality, analyse usage patterns, and deliver relevant marketing communications.

This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of information they collect, and your choices regarding their management. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

1.1 Definition

Cookies are small text files containing alphanumeric identifiers that are stored on your device (computer, mobile phone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device) when you visit a website. They enable websites to recognise your device and remember information about your visit.

1.2 Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies including:

• Web beacons/pixels: Small transparent images that track user behaviour

• Local storage: Browser-based storage for larger amounts of data

• Session storage: Temporary storage that expires when you close your browser

• Software Development Kits (SDKs): Third-party code libraries that may collect data

1.3 Cookie Lifespan

• Session cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser

• Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted

2.1 Cookie Classification

We classify cookies based on their purpose and legal basis:

2.2 First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

• First-party cookies: Set directly by CyLynk for our platform functionality

• Third-party cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., Google, Meta, analytics providers)

3.1 Platform Functionality

• User Authentication: Maintain secure login sessions and prevent unauthorised access

• Security: Protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and other security threats

• Load Balancing: Distribute traffic efficiently across our servers

• Error Prevention: Prevent duplicate form submissions and maintain session integrity

3.2 Educational Services

• Progress Tracking: Monitor course completion and learning milestones

• Personalised Learning: Adapt content based on user progress and preferences

• Assessment Management: Maintain test sessions and prevent cheating

• Resource Access: Remember downloaded materials and bookmarked content

3.3 Platform Improvement

• Usage Analytics: Understand how users navigate and interact with our platform

• Performance Monitoring: Identify and resolve technical issues

• Feature Testing: A/B test new features and improvements

• User Experience Research: Analyse user behaviour to enhance platform design

3.4 Marketing and Communications

• Targeted Advertising: Show relevant course recommendations and promotions

• Campaign Attribution: Measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts

• Retargeting: Re-engage users who have shown interest in specific courses

• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing and social login features

4.1 Analytics Services

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis and user behaviour insights

• Hotjar: User session recordings and heatmap analysis

• Mixpanel: Event tracking and user engagement analytics

4.2 Marketing Platforms

• Google Ads: Advertising campaign management and conversion tracking

• Meta Pixel: Facebook and Instagram advertising and remarketing

• LinkedIn Insight Tag: Professional network advertising and lead generation

4.3 Communication Tools

• Intercom: Customer support chat and messaging

• Mailchimp/Klaviyo: Email marketing and automation

• Zoom/Teams: Video conferencing integration for live sessions

4.4 Payment Processing

• Stripe: Secure payment processing and fraud prevention

• PayPal: Alternative payment method and transaction security

4.5 Educational Integrations

• Vimeo/YouTube: Video content delivery and engagement tracking

• Articulate/Storyline: Interactive learning content delivery

5.1 Consent Management

Upon your first visit to our platform, you will see a cookie consent banner with options to:

• Accept All: Consent to all cookie categories

• Manage Preferences: Customise your cookie settings by category

• Decline Non-Essential: Only allow strictly necessary cookies

5.2 Changing Your Preferences

You can modify your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer

• Accessing the cookie preference centre through your account settings

• Contacting our support team at support@cylynk.com

5.3 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Google Chrome:

1. Click Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data

2. Choose your preferred cookie setting

3. Manage site-specific permissions

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click Settings > Privacy & Security

2. Under Cookies and Site Data, choose your preferences

3. Manage exceptions for specific sites

Safari:

1. Click Preferences > Privacy

2. Choose your cookie and tracking preferences

3. Manage website-specific settings

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click Settings > Cookies and site permissions

2. Choose your cookie preferences

3. Manage site-specific permissions

5.4 Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect:

• Platform functionality and user experience

• Ability to maintain login sessions

• Personalised content and recommendations

• Course progress tracking and completion records

6.1 Data Minimisation

We only collect cookie data that is necessary for specified purposes and retain it for the minimum period required.

6.2 Data Security

Cookie data is protected through:

• Encryption in transit and at rest

• Secure HTTP protocols (HTTPS)

• Regular security audits and monitoring

• Access controls and authentication requirements

6.3 International Transfers

Some third-party services may process cookie data outside Australia. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Standard contractual clauses

• Adequacy decisions where available

• Privacy shield or equivalent frameworks

7.1 Retention Schedule

Typical cookie retention periods by type:

7.2 Automatic Deletion

Cookies are automatically deleted when they expire or when you clear your browser data.

8.1 Australian Privacy Law

Our cookie practices comply with:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

• Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

• Australian Consumer Law

• Spam Act 2003 (Cth)

8.2 International Compliance

Where applicable, we also consider:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

• Other relevant international privacy frameworks

We do not knowingly collect cookie data from children under 13 years of age. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

For users aged 13–18, we require parental consent before setting non-essential cookies.

10.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect:

• Changes in cookie usage or technology

• Updates to legal requirements

• New third-party integrations

• User feedback and best practices

10.2 Notification Process

Material changes will be communicated through:

• Updated effective date on this page

• Email notifications to registered users

• Platform notifications upon login

• Consent re-confirmation where required

11.1 General Enquiries

For questions about this Cookies Policy or your cookie preferences:

• Email: privacy@cylynk.com

• Phone: 1300 CYLYNK

• Post: Privacy Officer, CyLynk Pty Ltd, Melbourne Australia

11.2 Technical Support

For technical issues with cookie settings:

• Email: support@cylynk.com

• Live Chat: Available through our platform

• Help Centre: 1300 CYLYNK