Who We Are
Linux Professional is an educational website that publishes free Linux tutorials and engineering guides. We are based in Dublin, Ireland. You can contact us at admin@linuxprofessional.ie.
What Data We Collect
Newsletter Subscriptions
When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address. We use it to send you tutorial updates and Linux-related content. You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us at admin@linuxprofessional.ie.
Contact Form
When you use our contact form, we collect your name, email address, subject, and message. We use this data to respond to your enquiry and then retain it for record-keeping purposes.
Server Logs
Our web server automatically records standard access logs that include your IP address, browser user agent, requested URL, and timestamp. These logs are used for security monitoring and debugging. They are retained for up to 30 days and are not shared with third parties.
Cookies
We use a single session cookie (PHPSESSID) that is required for form submissions (CSRF protection) and admin authentication. This cookie is:
- HttpOnly (not accessible to JavaScript)
- Secure (sent only over HTTPS)
- SameSite=Strict (not sent with cross-site requests)
- Deleted when you close your browser
We do not use tracking cookies, analytics cookies, or advertising cookies.
What We Do Not Collect
- We do not use Google Analytics or any third-party analytics service
- We do not serve advertisements
- We do not use tracking pixels or beacons
- We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data
- We do not use social media tracking scripts (our share buttons are plain links)
Third-Party Services
We use the following external services:
- Google Fonts (fonts.googleapis.com, fonts.gstatic.com) — to load the Syne, Outfit, and Fira Code typefaces. Google may log your IP address when serving font files. See Google's privacy policy.
- Facebook — we maintain a Facebook page where we share our articles. If you visit our site from a Facebook link, Facebook may track that referral. We do not embed Facebook scripts on our pages.
Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored in an encrypted database on our server hosted in Europe. We use HTTPS encryption for all connections. Passwords (admin only) are hashed with Argon2id. We apply security headers including HSTS, CSP, and X-Content-Type-Options.
Your Rights
Under GDPR and Irish data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent for newsletter emails
- Lodge a complaint with the Irish Data Protection Commission
To exercise any of these rights, email us at admin@linuxprofessional.ie.
Data Retention
- Newsletter emails — retained until you unsubscribe
- Contact form submissions — retained for up to 2 years
- Server logs — retained for up to 30 days
- Session cookies — expire when you close your browser
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or your personal data, contact us at admin@linuxprofessional.ie or through our contact form.