This Privacy Policy explains how Security e-Drift (blog.lugton.co.uk) handles personal information.
Last updated: 30 July 2026
At Security e-Drift, your privacy matters. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, how it is handled, and your choices under UK GDPR.
Who we are
Security e-Drift is written and operated by James Lugton (Yorkshire, UK). Contact: [email protected].
What we collect
- Email address — if you subscribe to updates via the on-site form (and any confirmation / unsubscribe records).
- Messages you send — if you email us or request an awareness session.
- Technical / analytics data — when enabled and permitted: page views, approximate location, device/browser type, referring URLs (via Google Analytics / Google Site Kit).
- Advertising data — when you consent to marketing cookies: AdSense may use cookies or similar technology to show ads and measure performance.
- Support payments — if you use Ko-fi, that service processes name, message, and payment details under its own policy.
We do not ask for special-category (sensitive) data. Please do not send passwords, one-time codes, or confidential customer records via the subscribe form or blog comments.
How we use your data
- Send occasional Security e-Drift updates you requested (legitimate interest / consent, as applicable).
- Understand which posts are helpful and improve the site (analytics, where allowed).
- Respond to messages, session requests, and feedback.
- Show limited advertising to help cover hosting and writing time (where you consent).
- Keep the site secure (abuse prevention, rate limiting on forms).
We do not sell your personal data.
Legal bases (UK GDPR)
- Consent — non-essential cookies (analytics/ads) where a consent banner applies; email marketing where double opt-in or clear consent is used.
- Legitimate interests — operating and securing the site; responding to direct enquiries; limited analytics that are privacy-respecting where consent is not required.
- Contract / steps prior to contract — arranging a paid or free awareness session you requested.
Cookies and consent
Essential cookies may be needed for the site to function (for example, storing your cookie preferences).
Non-essential cookies — including Google Analytics and Google AdSense — should only run after you accept the relevant categories in the site consent banner. Consent Mode is configured to default to denied in the UK/EEA until you choose otherwise.
You can change your mind by clearing cookies for this site or reopening the banner’s preference controls where available. You can also use browser controls and Google’s ad settings.
Third-party services
- Google — Site Kit, Analytics, and AdSense (publisher ID
pub-4589908702597176). See Google Privacy Policy and Google advertising. - Cloudflare — CDN / security for the website.
- Hosting provider — stores site files and server logs.
- Ko-fi — optional reader support.
- LinkedIn — if you visit our profile (their policy applies).
Affiliate links are described on the Affiliate & advertising disclosure page.
Email updates
If you subscribe, we store your email to send occasional notes on scams, AI habits, and small-business basics. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in an email or by contacting us. We aim to use confirmation (double opt-in) where practical so a third party cannot subscribe you without access to your inbox.
How long we keep data
- Subscriber emails — until you unsubscribe, or after prolonged inactivity, then deleted or anonymised.
- Enquiry emails — as long as needed to respond and for a short follow-up period.
- Server / security logs — typically for a short operational period.
- Analytics — according to the retention settings in Google Analytics / Site Kit.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you can request access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, and data portability where applicable. You may also lodge a complaint with the ICO.
To make a request: [email protected].
Children
This site is aimed at adults and small-business readers. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Updates
We may update this policy as the site evolves. Changes will be posted here with a revised date.