1. What Are Cookies & Local Storage?
Cookies and local storage technologies are small text files or key-value data stores placed directly on your computer or mobile device by websites that you visit. They are widely used to make websites function securely, preserve user sessions across page reloads, and remember user preferences.
2. Our Core Principle: No Third-Party Tracking or Ads
CrestSow does NOT deploy third-party advertising cookies, retargeting beacons, or commercial tracking pixels.
Unlike many educational platforms, we do not load cross-site ad networks (such as Meta Pixel or third-party ad brokers). Every cookie and local storage item used by CrestSow is strictly technical, operational, or functional.
3. Inventory of Storage Technologies Used
Below is a complete, itemized inventory of all client-side storage keys utilized on crestsow.com:
| Key / Cookie Name | Type & Storage | Category | Purpose & Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| token / holotrack_token | localStorage / Header | Strictly Essential | Maintains authenticated JWT session state for LMS students, trainers, and administrators. Expires upon manual logout or session timeout. |
| crestsow_device_id | localStorage | Security & Integrity | Generates an anonymized device cryptographic token to verify trusted devices during coding assessments and prevent proxy exam attempts. |
| holotrack_theme | localStorage | Functional Preference | Remembers the user's interface display preference (Dark mode vs. Light mode) to prevent screen flickering upon navigation. |
| admin_sidebar_collapsed / trainer_sidebar_collapsed | localStorage | Functional Preference | Persists the expanded/collapsed state of portal sidebars according to student or trainer screen layout preference. |
| tasktrack_study_notes / holotrack_flashcards | localStorage | Client Study Aid | Stores student's scratch study notes and interactive flashcards locally on their own browser without transmitting to server. |
| crestsow_cookie_consent | localStorage | Strictly Essential | Records that the user has reviewed our cookie and privacy notice so the banner is not repeatedly displayed. |
4. Managing & Disabling Browser Storage
You have full control over your browser's storage. You can configure your browser to reject cookies, clear existing local storage, or alert you when a storage item is written:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies → Clear browsing data.
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.
- Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All.
Please Note: Because CrestSow uses local storage strictly for essential authentication and secure device binding, completely blocking local storage will prevent you from logging into your LMS account or taking proctored technical evaluations.
5. Contact Regarding Storage Policies
If you have questions about how we use client-side storage or want to verify data stored in your browser, contact our privacy desk at founder@crestsow.com.