Security Disclosure & Responsible Use

Last Updated: October 19, 2025

⚠️ Critical: Authorized Use Only

WebScanner is designed exclusively for legitimate security testing and vulnerability assessment. This platform must only be used for defensive security purposes on systems you own or have explicit written authorization to test.

Unauthorized use may result in criminal prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and equivalent laws worldwide.

1. Purpose of This Platform

WebScanner is a security research and vulnerability assessment tool intended to help organizations and security professionals:

  • Identify security weaknesses in their own web applications
  • Conduct authorized penetration testing and security audits
  • Improve security posture through proactive vulnerability discovery
  • Comply with security standards and regulations
  • Educate teams about common web security issues

2. Strictly Prohibited Uses

The following activities are ILLEGAL and PROHIBITED:

  • Unauthorized Access: Scanning systems without explicit permission
  • Malicious Attacks: Using findings to compromise, damage, or disable systems
  • Data Theft: Attempting to access, extract, or exfiltrate data
  • Service Disruption: Causing denial of service or system instability
  • Exploitation: Exploiting vulnerabilities for personal gain or harm
  • Competitive Espionage: Scanning competitors without authorization
  • Harassment: Using the tool to target individuals or organizations
  • Criminal Activity: Any use that violates local, state, or federal laws

3. Legal Framework & Compliance

Users must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

United States

  • Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), 18 U.S.C. § 1030 - Prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems
  • Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) - Governs interception of communications
  • Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) - Protects against circumvention of security measures

International Laws

  • Computer Misuse Act 1990 (UK) - Makes unauthorized access to computer material a criminal offense
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) - Protects personal data and privacy
  • Cybercrime Act (Various Countries) - Similar provisions in many jurisdictions worldwide

4. Authorization Requirements

Before scanning any domain or application, you MUST:

  1. Verify Ownership: Prove you own the domain through DNS verification or meta tag validation
  2. Obtain Written Authorization: If testing on behalf of a client, obtain explicit written consent that includes:
    • Scope of testing (specific domains, IP ranges, applications)
    • Timeframe for testing
    • Types of tests authorized
    • Limitations and exclusions
    • Signatures from authorized representatives
  3. Understand Legal Boundaries: Know what you are legally permitted to test
  4. Document Everything: Maintain records of all authorizations and testing activities

5. Responsible Disclosure Policy

If you discover vulnerabilities using WebScanner:

For Vulnerabilities in Client Systems

  • Report findings privately to the affected organization
  • Provide detailed, actionable information about the vulnerability
  • Allow reasonable time for remediation (typically 90 days)
  • Do not publicly disclose until after remediation or agreed timeline
  • Do not exploit vulnerabilities beyond what is necessary for demonstration

For Vulnerabilities in WebScanner

If you discover security issues in WebScanner itself, please report them responsibly:

  • Email: security@webscanner.example.com
  • Include detailed steps to reproduce the issue
  • Do not publicly disclose until we have had time to address the issue
  • We commit to responding within 48 hours and providing updates every 7 days

6. Ethical Guidelines

As a security professional using this tool, you should:

  • Respect Privacy: Do not access or view data beyond what is necessary for testing
  • Minimize Impact: Avoid actions that could disrupt services or harm systems
  • Be Transparent: Clearly communicate your role and intentions to system owners
  • Follow Industry Standards: Adhere to frameworks like OWASP, NIST, and ISO 27001
  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on laws, regulations, and best practices
  • Professional Conduct: Maintain integrity and ethical standards at all times

7. Platform Security Measures

WebScanner implements safeguards to prevent misuse:

  • Domain Verification: Ownership verification required before scanning
  • Rate Limiting: Prevents abuse and excessive scanning
  • Audit Logging: All activities are logged for security and compliance
  • Monitoring: Automated detection of suspicious activity patterns
  • Account Review: Manual review of high-risk activities
  • Law Enforcement Cooperation: We cooperate fully with legal investigations

8. Consequences of Misuse

Violation of this policy will result in:

  • Immediate Account Termination: Permanent ban from the service
  • Legal Action: Civil lawsuits for damages and injunctive relief
  • Criminal Prosecution: Referral to law enforcement agencies (FBI, Secret Service, etc.)
  • Financial Liability: You may be held liable for all damages caused
  • Professional Consequences: Loss of certifications and professional standing
  • Public Disclosure: Your violations may be publicly disclosed

9. Educational Resources

To use this platform responsibly, we recommend familiarizing yourself with:

10. Our Commitment

WebScanner is committed to:

  • Supporting legitimate security research and testing
  • Promoting responsible disclosure and ethical hacking
  • Preventing misuse of our platform
  • Cooperating with law enforcement when necessary
  • Maintaining the highest security and ethical standards

⚖️ Final Legal Disclaimer

WebScanner is a tool for authorized security testing only. By using this service, you acknowledge that you understand and accept full legal responsibility for your actions. We do not encourage, support, or facilitate unauthorized access to computer systems. You assume all risks associated with your use of this platform. Always ensure you have proper authorization before conducting any security assessments.

Questions about security, responsible use, or reporting vulnerabilities?

security@webscanner.example.com