As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re continuing our series with a closer look at the differences between Server-Side Tagging and Client-Side Tagging, and how these technologies can help you take control of your data and improve your security posture.
What’s the Difference?
Client-Side Tagging: In traditional client-side tagging, the tags (or scripts) are executed in the user’s browser. This means that when a user visits your website, their data is collected and sent directly to third-party servers like Google Analytics or Facebook via the browser.
Server-Side Tagging: With server-side tagging, the process is quite different. Instead of running tags in the browser, the data is first sent to your own server. From there, you control what gets shared with third-party platforms. This is particularly important when considering what type of information you want to keep private, like IP addresses, device details, and other sensitive identifiers.
Why Choose Server-Side Tagging?
One of the main advantages of server-side tagging is that you are in control. Since the data first flows through your server, you can filter, modify, or remove sensitive details before passing it on to third parties. In this way, you’re not just giving away all of your visitor’s data blindly—you decide what gets shared.
In terms of security, this means that if a breach occurs at a third-party provider (for example, if their data storage is compromised), they will not have access to the most sensitive information you have chosen to withhold. This dramatically reduces the risk of IP address exposure, device-related data leaks, or other personally identifiable information (PII) being accessed by unauthorized parties.
Real-World Use Case: Google Analytics & Facebook API
Both Google Analytics and Facebook offer server-side tagging solutions, allowing companies to control the flow of data through API integration. In these scenarios, instead of sending all visitor data directly via the user’s browser, companies can first collect and process it on their servers. This not only enhances privacy compliance but also improves overall data accuracy by reducing the risk of data loss due to browser-related issues (like ad blockers).
The Nixon Platform: Automating Your Data Checks
That’s where the Nixon Tracker Checker comes in. Available in the Chrome Store, the Nixon Tracker Checker is an easy-to-use tool that helps you automatically verify how data is stored on your website.
With just a few clicks, you can:
1. Install the Chrome plugin.
2. Visit any website you want to investigate.
3. Instantly determine whether data is being sent client-side or server-side.
This helps you ensure that your data collection and sharing processes align with your security and compliance requirements, without needing in-depth technical knowledge.
The Benefits of Automation
As companies manage multiple websites, manual checks can quickly become overwhelming and prone to human error. Nixon’s Tracker Checker automates this process, freeing up your team to focus on higher-level security concerns while ensuring you maintain control over sensitive data.
Watch our quick demo to see how the Tracker Checker works. Make sure your data is stored and shared securely with just a few clicks—because in today’s cybersecurity landscape, ownership over your data is key.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your data is more critical than ever. Server-side tagging offers a powerful solution to enhance your security posture by giving you control over what sensitive information is shared and stored. By integrating tools like the Nixon Tracker Checker, you can easily verify your tagging setup and ensure compliance with privacy regulations—all while minimizing the risks associated with client-side data collection. Take ownership of your data today and strengthen your defense against potential security threats.
And while you’re here, try the Nixon Digital Tracker Checker: a free Chrome extension to check if your cookie banners and tracking practices are working right. While it doesn’t apply to dangling DNS, it’s a helpful tool to see if your consent settings are up to standard. You can install and try it, all within a minute.
If you’d like to learn more, schedule a meeting with one of our experts here.