Last Updated: 14 March 2024
Effective Date: 04 October 2021
Strasmore is dedicated to the unrestricted free transmission of information via the internet and its many resources. Our goal is to deliver enterprise quality on-demand IT services to all of our Customers while serving as the medium of exchange for transmission of all information. The storage, distribution, and exchange of information (content) are the internet's single most valuable feature. Strasmore is dedicated to protecting the source and distribution of information and protecting the rights and privileges of those utilizing it. Strasmore does not purport to be the content police; our duty in the process of information dissemination is simply to act as conduit between interested parties. Strasmore follows all local, state and federal laws pursuant to the services delivered over the internet and directly related to our network and internal systems. The purpose of this AUP is to inform all Customers of acceptable, anticipated Customer use. Due to the myriad of possibilities in maintaining a network comprised of thousands of servers, this AUP is intended to act as a guideline to service and not to be all encompassing.
The primary purpose of the Strasmore Public Network is to transmit information (packets) to and from Customer servers and data storage services. Proper use of the Public Network is to utilize the network in any way, subject to the terms and provisions of this agreement, so long as Customer does not violate any local, state, or federal laws or generate harm to the network or interfere with the use of services of other users utilizing the same network. All Customers are granted equal access to the Public Network. Violation, misuse, excessive bandwidth utilization, or interference of the public network shall be considered a violation of the AUP and shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A
The primary purpose of the Strasmore Private Network is to allow secure private network connectivity to the private backend network directly connecting Customer servers and Strasmore delivered services. Proper use of the Private Network is the upload/download of content, server administration, transmission of information between servers, transmission of information between servers and Strasmore servers, secure private administration of services, data retrieval, console access, and true out of band management of their entire IT environment. The Private Network can also be utilized for service access during periods of non-payment, copyright infringement, spam abuse, service interruption or other instances requiring server administration. All Customers are granted equal access to the private secure network to securely manage their services. Connectivity to the Private Network is granted on an unrestricted basis in eight (8) hour increments. Dedicated connections to the Private Network are available through the sales team. Violation, misuse, or interference of the Private Network shall be considered a violation of the AUP and shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
The primary purpose of the Strasmore standard security services is to assist the Customer in the protection, management, update, and overall stability of the outsourced IT environment. Customers are required and obligated to maintain security related to Customer managed servers. The management of virtual and dedicated servers requires basic security management including password management, port management, OS updates, application updates, security policy settings and more. The Customer is ultimately responsible for individual server security. Any violation of the security services included in basic services will be addressed pursuant to the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
Strasmore does not actively monitor virtual and dedicated server content for review. Strasmore believes in the free dissemination of information via our services. Virtual and dedicated server content will only be reviewed upon complaint by verified third parties. Content that does not violate local, state and federal law or the AUP is deemed in compliance and shall remain intact. Legal adult content is allowed on Strasmore virtual and dedicated servers. Content deemed in violation will be addressed pursuant to the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
Data Center supplies redundant domain names services for all Strasmore's Customers purchasing virtual and dedicated services. These services include the use of authoritative name servers for public resolution of domain names and private domain name resolvers located on the private service network. The DNS services are fully managed and maintained by Data Center with Customer specific domain name management through Strasmore. In rare instances, where extreme intensive loads (DNS lookups) utilize disproportionate resources of the redundant DNS systems, Strasmore will notify Customer of potential violation of this AUP. Customers requiring such DNS services will be instructed to perform dedicated DNS services on Customer managed equipment. Violation of DNS services shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
Strasmore allows the use of private Internet Relay Chat (IRC) servers for communication among private parties. Strasmore absolutely prohibits the use of IRC servers connected to public IRC networks or servers. IRC servers that result in interference of service, malicious network activity or increased demand on network security services are in direct violation of this AUP. Violation of the IRC policy shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
Strasmore allows the use of internet Peer-to-Peer software for file sharing purposes. Strasmore highly recommends strict oversight and management of Peer-to-Peer software environments due to the propensity to violate copyright law by sharing commercial software or copyright protected material. The sharing of copyright protected software and material is NOT allowed and is in direct violation of federal law and this AUP. Violation of the Peer to Peer policy shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
The use of botting and traffic exchange services is in direct violation of this AUP and shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
The use of cryptocurrency applications is in direct violation of this AUP and shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A This includes, but is not limited to Steem, Bitcoin, blockchain applications, and cryptocurrency wallets
The use of multimedia transcoding applications is in direct violation of this AUP and shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A. This includes, but is not limited to Plex.
Strasmore allows the use of Bit Torrent and Point-to-Point (“P2P”) software protocols on the public network. Strasmore highly recommends strict oversight and management of Bit Torrent and P2P software environments due to the propensity to violate copyright law by sharing commercial software or copyright protected material. The sharing of copyright protected software and material is NOT allowed and is in direct violation of federal law and this AUP. Violation of the Bit Torrent and/or P2P policy shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A.
All IP addresses assigned to customers by Strasmore remain the sole and permanent property of Strasmore or Data Center, and are to be used exclusively on equipment and services located in the Data Center and connected to the Data Center network. Strasmore and Data Center may change Customers IP address(es) at anytime upon written notice. IP Addresses are nontransferable from Data Center, and Customer retains no ownership or transfer rights to IP Addresses. If a customer cancels their services, they may not take the IPs that they used with them, rather they will be reclaimed and re-issued to other customers in the future. All IP Addresses are assigned by the Strasmore network engineering team on a per VLAN, per virtual and dedicated server basis. Attempted use of IP addresses not originally allocated for use or IP addresses use on non-assigned VLANs or servers is a violation of this AUP. Violation of the IP Address policy shall trigger the Methods of Resolution under this AUP as set forth below in Table A. Private IP assignments are available to qualified Customers.
Because IPv4 addresses are a scarce resource, RIRs require ISPs to document that they are efficiently utilizing existing assigned addresses and are planning efficient utilization of any addresses being requested. RIR policies and RFC2050 promote conservation and deter wasteful use or stockpiling of IP space. Strasmore is required to abide by these policies, which means we must collect this information from our customers. All customer IP address requests are subjected to review by Strasmore to ensure efficient utilization and are not guaranteed to be approved. During the review, customers will be required to provide details about how each IP address will be utilized and technical justification as to why additional unique IP addresses are needed. When applicable, Strasmore may take steps to verify the validity of the information provided, including network scanning and server configuration inspection. An initial review may take up to 2 business days, and depending on size and complexity may require additional time for completion. Accounts with open abuse tickets will have their IP requests held for processing until all abuse issues have been resolved. Customers may continue to use assigned IP addresses as long as the usage information presented remains valid. Strasmore may request a review of customer IP utilization at any time, and will reclaim resources no longer found to be efficiently utilized.
Strasmore is required to provide customer reassignment information for all IP addresses, and does so via publishing publically viewable 'rwhois' records. Details provided by customers during the IP address request process may be shared privately with the RIRs when needed to demonstrate Data Center and Strasmore's adherence to policies of efficient utilization.
The following list represents per se direct violations of this AUP and will be subject to immediate redress under one or more of the Methods of Resolution as described in this AUP and as set forth below in Table A. Note: Strasmore is not required to follow the Methods of Resolution for Hourly Services, and reserves the right to immediately terminate Hourly Services based on violations of this AUP.
Copyright and Trademark Infringement: Direct copyright infringement (as defined and noted under Title 17, Section 512 of the United States Code) and trademark infringement are direct violations of Strasmore’s AUP. Please refer to DMCA copyright infringement requirements at http://www.ssdnodes.com/legal.html for filing complaints or counter notifications related to copyright claims.
Unsolicited Email: The sending of mass unsolicited email (SPAM) is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP. This includes the direct sending of such messages, support of such messages via web page, splash page or other related sites, or the advertisement of such services. Email ports on customer servers may be blocked by default. Customers can request these ports be unblocked by opening a ticket in the Client Area.
Email Bombing: The sending, return, bouncing or forwarding of email to specified user(s) in an attempt to interfere with or overflow email services is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP.
Proxy Email (SPAM): The use of virtual and dedicated services to proxy email unsolicited users is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP. Proxy email is defined as the use of virtual and dedicated services to act in concert with other services located inside and outside the network to achieve mass unsolicited email (SPAM) to unrelated third parties.
UseNet SPAM: The use of virtual and dedicated services to send, receive, forward, or post UseNet unsolicited email or posts is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP. This includes UseNet services located within the Strasmore network or unrelated third party networks.
Illegal Use: Any use of virtual and dedicated services in a manner which is defined or deemed to be statutorily illegal is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP. This includes, but is not limited to: death threats, terroristic threats, threats of harm to another individual, multi-level marketing schemes, "ponzi schemes", invasion of privacy, credit card fraud, racketeering, and other common illegal activities.
Child Pornography: Strasmore has a zero-tolerance policy on child pornography and related sites. The hosting of child pornography or related sites or contact information is in direct violation of federal law and Strasmore’s AUP.
Threats & Harassment: The Strasmore network can be utilized for any type of individual, organizational or business use. This does not include threats to or harassment of individuals, organizations or businesses, unless it falls within the bounds of protected free speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Strasmore seeks to serve only as the medium of exchange for information and refrains from decisions on freedom of speech.
Fraudulent Activities: Strasmore prohibits utilizing virtual and dedicated services or network services for fraudulent activities. Participation in fraudulent activities is in direct violation of state and federal law and Strasmore’s AUP.
Denial of Service: Strasmore absolutely prohibits the use of virtual and dedicated services or network services for the origination or control of denial of service attacks or distributed denial of service attacks. Any relation to DOS or DDOS type activity is a direct violation of Strasmore’s AUP.
Terrorist Websites: Strasmore prohibits the use of virtual and dedicated services for the hosting of terrorist-related web sites. This includes sites advocating human violence and hate crimes based upon religion, ethnicity, or country of origin.
Distribution of Malware: Strasmore prohibits the storage, distribution, fabrication, or use of malware, including without limitation, virus software, rootkits, password crackers, adware, keystroke capture programs and other programs normally used in malicious activity. Programs used in the normal ordinary course of business are deemed acceptable. Example: Security Company hosting at Strasmore analyzes the latest root kit for new security analysis/software.
Phishing: Strasmore strictly prohibits any activity associated with Phishing or systems designed to collect personal information (name, account numbers, usernames, passwords, etc.) under false pretense. Splash pages, phishing forms, email distribution, proxy email or any relation to phishing activities will result in immediate removal.
HYIP or Ponzi Schemes: High Yield Investment Plans or Ponzi schemes with the intent to defraud end users are illegal and not allowed on the network. This includes hosting, linking and or advertising via email websites or schemes designed to defraud.
Strasmore will comply with and respond to jurisdictionally valid (as Strasmore determines in its sole discretion) subpoenas, warrants, and/or court orders: If allowed, Strasmore will forward such subpoenas, warrants, and/or orders to Customer and Customer may respond; however, Strasmore reserves the right to respond as long as it is the named party in such subpoena, warrant, and/or order.
Strasmore accepts reports of alleged violations of this AUP via email sent to [email protected]. Reports of alleged violations must be verified and must include the name and contact information of the complaining party, and the IP address or website allegedly in violation, and description of the violation. Unless otherwise required by law, such as the DMCA, Strasmore owes no duty to third parties reporting alleged violations due to lack of privity in contract law. Strasmore will review all verified third party reports and will take appropriate actions as described within Methods of Resolution as set forth in Table A below or within its sole discretion.
Strasmore understands the challenges of hosting companies, resellers, businesses, organizations and other customers who may have third party violations occur due to the nature of their business. The goal of our Methods of Resolution is to mitigate service interruptions while resolving potential violations under this AUP. Our sales, support and abuse staffs are dedicated to working with the Customer in resolving potential violations, and are available via ticket or email. The Methods of Resolution below form the framework for resolving all potential violations. Timing for resolution differs according to the degree of the violation, the nature of the violation, involvement of law enforcement, involvement of third party litigation, or other related factors. Overall, Strasmore is dedicated to working with the Customer in resolving all potential violations prior to any service interruptions.
A ticket will be generated under Strasmore to provide the Customer’s master user with information regarding the potential violation of Strasmore’s AUP. This is often a fact-finding email requiring further information or notifying Customer of the potential violation and the required actions and time frame to resolve the issue. Strasmore, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to skip to Step 3 and immediately suspend services in instances where the network and hardware performance impact of alleged violations negatively affects other Strasmore’s customers, and/or where the alleged violations results in customer IP address(es) being listed on any online blacklist, spam database, or honey pot database, including but not limited to Spamhaus and Sorbs.
A ticket is generated under the Customer’s master user account with information specific to the violation. This ticket will also include any additional facts about the situation and will notify Customer of the required actions and time frame to resolve the violation.
Strasmore engineers will issue a temporary suspension of services by either disabling the public network port or shutting down the specified services. As soon as the violation is addressed, access shall be restored and service will continue as normal.
If Customer fails to address the violation AND fails to resolve the violation, a permanent suspension of services shall occur. This is a last resort for Strasmore and only results when the Customer completely fails to participate in Strasmore’s resolution process. A permanent suspension of services includes reclamation of all virtual and dedicated services and the destruction of Customer’s data.
Strasmore retains the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse new service to any individual, group, or business. Strasmore also retains the right to discontinue service to Customers with excessive and/or multiple repeated violations.