Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 24 April 2025
1. Who We Are
SecureTechHQ (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a content and affiliate website focused on home security, DIY tools, and preparedness.
Website: https://securetechhq.com
Email: hello@securetechhq.com
2. What Personal Data We Collect & Why
| Activity | Data Collected | Purpose / Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Comments | Name, email, website (optional); IP address; browser user-agent; anonymized email hash (for Gravatar) | Legitimate interest – spam detection, comment display |
| Contact or Lead-Magnet Forms | Name & email (and any info you provide) | Consent – respond to enquiries, deliver requested resources |
| Email Newsletter | Name & email address | Consent – send updates & marketing; you can unsubscribe anytime |
| Affiliate Links & Product Widgets | Click ID, referring page, anonymized IP | Legitimate interest – track referrals and calculate commissions |
| Analytics (Google Analytics 4 / Search Console) | Pseudonymized usage data (device, pages viewed, time on site, etc.) | Legitimate interest – monitor site performance & improve content |
| Embedded Media (YouTube, Vimeo, Pinterest, etc.) | Same data those services collect on their own platforms | Your interaction is subject to the provider’s policy |
| Advertising | Cookie ID, ad impression data, location, device | Legitimate interest – serve contextual ads & measure ad revenue |
Important: We never sell or rent your personal data.
3. Cookies & Tracking
We use first-party and third-party cookies to:
- Remember preferences (e.g., “Remember Me” login)
- Measure site traffic and performance
- Track affiliate link clicks
- Serve personalized or contextual ads
You may disable cookies in your browser or use cookie-blocking extensions. Doing so may affect site functionality.
4. Embedded Content
Articles may display embedded videos, images, or articles from third-party sites (e.g., YouTube, Instagram). Embedded content behaves exactly as if you visited the other site and may collect data per that site’s privacy policy.
5. Who We Share Data With
| Recipient | Reason |
|---|---|
| Akismet / CleanTalk | Automated spam filtering on comments & forms |
| Email Service Provider (MailerLite / ConvertKit) | Manage newsletter lists & campaigns |
| Affiliate Networks (Amazon Associates, AvantLink, ShareASale, Impact Radius, etc.) | Validate and credit qualifying purchases |
| Analytics & Ad Partners (Google, Ezoic, Mediavine/Raptive) | Track performance, deliver ads |
| Hosting & Security Providers (NameHero/Rocket.net, Wordfence) | Site operation, security monitoring |
We require each third-party to process data in compliance with GDPR/CCPA and industry best practices.
6. Data Retention
- Comments – indefinitely (so follow-up comments auto-approve)
- Email subscribers – until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Analytics logs – 26 months (default GA4 retention)
- Affiliate click logs – 18 months (audit compliance)
7. Your Rights
Under GDPR (EU/EEA) and CCPA (California) you may:
- Request an exported file of the personal data we hold about you
- Ask us to correct or erase your data
- Object to or restrict certain processing
- Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., unsubscribe link in every email)
- For California residents: exercise “Do Not Sell or Share My Info” options via our CCPA request form.
To exercise any right, email privacy@securetechhq.com. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Data Location & Transfers
Our servers are in the United States. Third-party partners may process data in other jurisdictions under appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).
9. How We Protect Your Data
- SSL/TLS encryption for all site traffic
- Regular malware scans & firewall (Wordfence)
- Daily off-site backups (UpdraftPlus/Rocket.net)
- Least-privilege access for staff & contractors
- Two-factor authentication for admin accounts
10. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 16. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
11. Policy Updates
We may revise this Privacy Policy as our services evolve. We’ll post the new date at the top and, if changes are material, notify subscribers via email or site banner.
Questions?
Email hello@securetechhq.com and we’ll be happy to clarify.