Ethical Use Policy

Our Commitment to Ethical Security

At PivotChip Security inc., we are deeply committed to conducting all cybersecurity services with the highest ethical standards. This Ethical Use Policy outlines our principles, responsibilities, and requirements for the ethical use of our services, tools, and security testing capabilities.

We believe that cybersecurity professionals have a unique responsibility to use their skills and knowledge for the protection and benefit of organizations and society. This policy ensures that all our services are delivered in a manner that respects legal boundaries, protects client interests, and maintains the trust placed in us.

Legal Compliance Requirements

Authorization and Scope

All security testing services require explicit written authorization before work begins. This authorization must clearly define:

• Specific systems, networks, and applications authorized for testing
• Testing timeframes and any restricted time periods
• Approved testing methodologies and any prohibited techniques
• Emergency contact procedures and escalation paths
• Data handling and confidentiality requirements
• Rules of engagement and testing boundaries

Applicable Laws and Regulations

We comply with all applicable laws and regulations including but not limited to:

Client Data Protection

We recognize that security testing may involve access to sensitive client data. We implement strict controls to protect this information:

Data Handling Procedures

Confidentiality Obligations

• Non-Disclosure: All findings, vulnerabilities, and client information are confidential and protected by non-disclosure agreements
• Limited Access: Only personnel directly involved in the engagement have access to client data and findings
• Secure Storage: All client data is stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems with audit logging
• Retention Limits: Client data is retained only as long as necessary per contractual agreements and then securely destroyed
• No Disclosure: We never disclose client names, engagement details, or findings without explicit written permission

Responsible Disclosure Policy

When vulnerabilities are discovered during security testing or research, we follow responsible disclosure practices to balance security improvement with risk management:

Disclosure Process

Disclosure Principles

• Private First: Always notify affected parties privately before any public disclosure
• Technical Details: Provide sufficient technical information for effective remediation
• Reasonable Timeline: Allow adequate time for fix development and deployment
• Coordinated Release: Work with vendors on disclosure timing and public messaging
• Public Benefit: Balance responsible disclosure with public awareness and protection
• No Exploitation: Never exploit vulnerabilities beyond what's necessary for demonstration and proof of concept

Safe Handling of Security Tools

Security testing tools are powerful and can cause harm if misused. We implement strict controls over the use, storage, and distribution of security tools:

Tool Usage Requirements

Tool Security and Control

• Access Control: Security tools are restricted to authorized personnel only
• Secure Storage: Tools stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems with audit logging
• Version Control: All tools version-controlled and tested before deployment
• No Distribution: Security tools never provided to clients or third parties without proper review
• Custom Tools: Proprietary tools developed with security best practices and code review
• Tool Removal: All tools removed from client systems after testing completion

Employee and Contractor Standards

All PivotChip Security inc. employees and contractors must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards:

Professional Requirements

• Maintain current industry certifications and technical skills
• Complete annual ethics and compliance training
• Sign and comply with confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
• Report any ethical concerns or policy violations immediately
• Refuse to engage in unauthorized or illegal activities
• Represent the company with integrity and professionalism

Conflicts of Interest

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest before engagement
• Never use client access for personal benefit or unauthorized purposes
• Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with client interests
• No trading on material non-public information discovered during testing

Continuous Professional Development

We invest in our team's ethical and technical development through:

• Regular ethics training and policy reviews
• Technical certifications and continuing education
• Participation in professional security organizations
• Regular team discussions of ethical scenarios and case studies
• Mentorship and peer review processes

Client Responsibilities

Clients engaging our services also have ethical responsibilities to ensure testing is conducted properly:

Authorization Requirements

• Proper Authority: Ensure you have legal authority to authorize security testing on all systems in scope
• Third-Party Systems: Obtain written permission from third parties (cloud providers, managed service providers, etc.) before testing their systems
• Accurate Scope: Provide accurate scope information and clearly identify any systems that should not be tested
• Stakeholder Notification: Notify relevant internal stakeholders (IT, legal, management) about security testing activities
• Compliance: Ensure testing complies with applicable regulations and contractual obligations

Use of Findings

• Use security findings solely for improving your organization's security posture
• Do not weaponize vulnerabilities or use them to harm others
• Prioritize remediation of critical findings
• Maintain confidentiality of testing methods and detailed findings
• Share information responsibly with business partners if their systems are affected

Policy Enforcement and Violations

Violation Reporting

We take ethical violations seriously. Anyone who becomes aware of a violation of this policy should report it immediately:

• Internal Reporting: Employees should report to their manager, compliance officer, or use company defined communication progress
• Client Reporting: Clients should contact their engagement manager or our Chief Compliance Officer
• External Reporting: Serious violations may be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities

No Retaliation

We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports potential violations in good faith. Employees, contractors, and clients who raise ethical concerns will be protected from adverse consequences.

Policy Questions and Ethics Consultation

If you have questions about this Ethical Use Policy or need guidance on ethical issues related to our services, please contact: