Executive Summary

In a move that reflects a maturing approach to cybersecurity collaboration, two firms, Blast Audit and SafePorter, independently published new Vulnerability Disclosure Policies (VDPs) on February 15, 2026. These policies create a clear, authorized channel for security researchers to report vulnerabilities in the companies' products and services. Crucially, both VDPs include "safe harbor" clauses, which legally protect researchers from prosecution when their work is conducted in good faith and adheres to the policy's scope. The establishment of formal VDPs is a best practice that encourages responsible disclosure, helps companies discover and fix flaws faster, and builds trust with the security research community.

Policy Details

Both Blast Audit and SafePorter have adopted standard components for their VDPs, demonstrating an alignment with industry best practices.

Blast Audit's VDP:

• Scope: Clearly defines which of its assets and systems are in scope for testing.
• Reporting: Provides a dedicated form for submitting vulnerability reports.
• Safe Harbor: Explicitly states that the company will not pursue legal action against researchers for good-faith activities that comply with the policy.

SafePorter's VDP:

• Scope: Defines the scope as its DataProtected platform.
• Reporting: Details how to report a vulnerability and what information to include for it to be effective.
• Response SLA: Commits to acknowledging receipt of a report within five business days and maintaining open communication with the researcher.
• Out-of-Scope: Both policies clearly define prohibited activities, such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, social engineering, and physical security testing.

Importance of VDPs

A Vulnerability Disclosure Policy is a foundational element of a mature cybersecurity program. It serves several key functions:

• Provides a Clear Channel: Without a VDP, researchers may not know how to report a flaw, or may hesitate to do so for fear of legal threats. A VDP provides a clear, official