Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HardBrain Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 16742986) ("HardBrain", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our VPS hosting services.

By using our Services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Billing address and payment information
• Account credentials and authentication data
• IP addresses and device information
• Communication preferences

2.2 Technical Information:

• Server usage data (CPU, RAM, bandwidth)
• Log files and access records
• Browser type and operating system
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Service performance and error reports

2.3 Customer Content:

We do not access, view, or monitor the content you store on your VPS unless required for technical support, security investigations, or legal compliance. You retain all rights to your content.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To create, maintain, and manage your VPS hosting services
• Billing: To process payments and send invoices
• Customer Support: To respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance
• Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Communication: To send service updates, maintenance notifications, and marketing (with consent)
• Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our Services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers: We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business:

• Payment processors (for billing)
• Infrastructure providers (HardBrain-managed VPS infrastructure)
• Email service providers (for communications)
• Analytics providers (for service improvement)

4.2 Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety.

4.3 Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4.4 With Consent: We may share information with your explicit consent for specific purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted storage of sensitive data
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• DDoS protection and firewall systems
• PCI DSS compliance for payment processing
• ISO 27001 certified information security management

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and comply with legal obligations:

• Active Accounts: Information is retained while your account is active
• Billing Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Server Data: Deleted 7 days after service termination unless you request earlier deletion
• Support Records: Retained for 2 years for quality assurance
• Log Files: Typically retained for 90 days for security and troubleshooting

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@hardbrain.store. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our Services

Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect functionality.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for EU data transfers
• Adequacy decisions where applicable
• Privacy Shield principles (where applicable)
• Data processing agreements with third parties

10. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

For users in the European Union, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal Basis: We process data based on contract necessity, legitimate interests, and consent
• Data Protection Officer: Contact dpo@hardbrain.store for GDPR inquiries
• Right to Lodge Complaint: You may file complaints with your local supervisory authority
• Data Processing Agreements: Available upon request for business customers

12. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

For California residents, under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• We do not sell your personal information
• You have the right to know what information we collect
• You have the right to deletion (subject to exceptions)
• You have the right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. We will notify you of material changes via email or through our website. Your continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us: