Cookie Policy
Effective Date: March 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Terminal43CTF ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our platform. We are committed to transparency and to protecting your privacy.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give information to site owners.
Similar technologies include localStorage, which allows websites to store data directly in your browser. Unlike cookies, localStorage data is not sent to the server with every request -- it stays entirely in your browser.
We use a minimal set of cookies and localStorage entries that are strictly necessary for the platform to function. We do not use any tracking, analytics, or advertising cookies.
2. Cookies We Use
The following table lists every cookie and localStorage entry used by Terminal43CTF:
| Cookie | Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session |
ctf_session
|
Authentication and session management. Keeps you logged in as you navigate the platform. | Strictly Necessary | 24 hours |
| Challenge Auth |
chal_token
|
Authentication for challenge containers on the separate challenge domain. Ensures only authorized users can access their spawned challenge environments. | Strictly Necessary | 4 hours |
| Cookie Consent |
cookie_consent
(localStorage)
|
Remembers whether you have dismissed the cookie information banner so it is not shown again on every page load. | Strictly Necessary | Persistent |
| Theme Preference |
theme
(localStorage)
|
Remembers your dark/light mode preference so the platform displays your chosen theme on return visits. | Functionality | Persistent |
3. Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies are essential for the platform to function correctly. Without them, core features such as logging in, maintaining your session, and accessing challenge containers would not work. These cookies cannot be disabled.
Our strictly necessary cookies are used exclusively for:
- Login sessions -- keeping you authenticated as you navigate between pages
- CSRF protection -- preventing cross-site request forgery attacks on form submissions
- Challenge container authentication -- verifying your identity when you connect to spawned challenge environments on the challenge domain
These cookies contain no personally identifiable information. They store only cryptographically signed session identifiers and authentication tokens.
4. No Tracking Cookies
We do not track you.
Terminal43CTF does not use any analytics, tracking, advertising, or third-party cookies.
Specifically, we do not use:
- Google Analytics or any other analytics platform
- Facebook Pixel, Meta tracking, or any social media trackers
- Advertising networks or retargeting services
- Third-party cookies of any kind
- Fingerprinting or cross-site tracking technologies
Your browsing activity on Terminal43CTF is not shared with, sold to, or accessible by any third party.
5. Local Storage
We use your browser's localStorage to store two small pieces of data:
theme— your preferred color scheme (dark or light mode)cookie_consent— whether you have dismissed the cookie information banner
This data never leaves your browser. It is not transmitted to our servers, not shared with any third party, and is only read by the Terminal43CTF frontend code running in your browser. You can clear localStorage at any time through your browser's developer tools or settings without affecting your account.
6. Managing Cookies
You can view, manage, and delete cookies through your browser settings. Please note that clearing your session cookies will log you out of Terminal43CTF, and you will need to sign in again.
For instructions on managing cookies in your browser, see:
7. Cookie Consent
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive, strictly necessary cookies do not require user consent. Since Terminal43CTF only uses strictly necessary cookies and one functionality cookie (theme preference stored in localStorage), we are not required to obtain your consent before setting them.
We display a cookie information banner when you first visit the platform to transparently inform you about our cookie usage. You can dismiss this banner at any time. Dismissing the banner stores a
cookie_consent
flag in your browser's localStorage so the banner is not shown again.
If we ever introduce non-essential cookies in the future (such as analytics or performance cookies), we will update this policy and implement a proper consent mechanism that allows you to opt in or opt out before any such cookies are set.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
If we make material changes that affect how we use cookies (for example, introducing non-essential cookies), we will notify you through a prominent notice on the platform before the changes take effect.
9. Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, you can contact us at:
Email: contact@terminal43.ro