THE SILVER TUNA MARKETPLACE™
INCLUDED DOCUMENT: DATA & SECURITY STANDARDS
Incorporated into Seller Agreement
Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: November 2024
PURPOSE
This document establishes the data security standards, protocols, and requirements for The Silver Tuna Marketplace and its sellers. These standards ensure the protection of sensitive business data, customer information, and payment data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats.
1. SECURITY FRAMEWORK
1.1 Security Principles
Our security framework is built on:
Confidentiality: Protecting data from unauthorized access
Integrity: Ensuring data accuracy and preventing tampering
Availability: Maintaining reliable access to systems and data
Accountability: Tracking and auditing all data access
Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
1.2 Security Standards
We comply with:
PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation
CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
SOC 2: Service Organization Control 2 (Type II)
NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines.
1.3 Security Certifications
Our infrastructure providers maintain:
ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)
SOC 2 Type II (Security, Availability, Confidentiality)
PCI DSS Level 1 (Payment Card Industry compliance)
HIPAA compliance (where applicable).
2. INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY
2.1 Hosting & Servers
Our hosting infrastructure includes:
Enterprise-grade cloud hosting (AWS, Google Cloud, or similar)
Redundant servers across multiple availability zones
Automatic failover and disaster recovery
DDoS protection and mitigation
Regular security patches and updates
24/7 monitoring and alerting
2.2 Network Security
Network protection includes:
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS)
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) for administrative access
Network segmentation and isolation
Traffic filtering and rate limiting
Regular vulnerability scanning.
2.3 Physical Security
Data center security includes:
24/7 physical security and surveillance
Biometric access controls
Environmental controls (temperature, humidity, fire suppression)
Redundant power and cooling systems
Secure disposal of hardware and media.
2.4 Backup & Recovery
Data backup procedures:
Daily automated backups of all websites and databases
30-day backup retention for point-in-time recovery
Encrypted backups stored in secure, geographically distributed locations
Regular backup testing to ensure recoverability
Recovery Time Objective (RTO): 24 hours
Recovery Point Objective (RPO): 24 hours (maximum data loss).
3. APPLICATION SECURITY
3.1 Secure Development
Our development practices include:
Secure coding standards and guidelines
Code review and peer review processes
Static and dynamic code analysis
Dependency scanning for vulnerabilities
Regular security testing and penetration testing
Bug bounty program for responsible disclosure.
3.2 Authentication & Access Control
User authentication includes:
Strong password requirements (minimum 12 characters, complexity rules)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative access
Session management and timeout policies
Account lockout after failed login attempts
Password reset and recovery procedures
Single Sign-On (SSO) options where applicable.
3.3 Authorization & Permissions
Access control includes:
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Principle of least privilege (minimum necessary access)
Separation of duties for critical functions
Regular access reviews and audits
Immediate revocation upon termination.
3.4 API Security
API protection includes:
API key authentication and authorization
Rate limiting and throttling
Input validation and sanitization
Output encoding to prevent injection attacks
HTTPS/TLS encryption for all API calls
API versioning and deprecation policies
4. DATA ENCRYPTION
4.1 Encryption in Transit
All data transmitted is encrypted using:
TLS 1.2 or higher for HTTPS connections
Strong cipher suites (AES-256, RSA-2048 or higher)
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) to protect past sessions
HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) to enforce HTTPS
Certificate pinning for mobile applications
4.2 Encryption at Rest
All stored data is encrypted using:
AES-256 encryption for databases and file storage
Encrypted file systems for server storage
Encrypted backups with separate encryption keys
Key management systems for secure key storage and rotation
Hardware Security Modules (HSM) for key protection
4.3 Payment Data Encryption
Payment information is protected by:
Stripe’s PCI DSS Level 1 compliance
Tokenization (no storage of full card numbers)
End-to-end encryption from customer to payment processor
No storage of CVV/CVC codes
Secure payment forms (Stripe Elements or hosted checkout)
4.4 Key Management
Encryption keys are:
Generated using cryptographically secure random number generators
Stored separately from encrypted data
Rotated regularly (at least annually)
Protected with access controls and auditing
Backed up securely with separate encryption
5. SECURITY MONITORING & INCIDENT RESPONSE
5.1 Security Monitoring
We continuously monitor for:
Unauthorized access attempts
Unusual traffic patterns or behavior
Malware and virus infections
System vulnerabilities and exploits
Configuration changes and anomalies
Performance degradation or outages
Monitoring tools include:
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Log aggregation and analysis
Anomaly detection and alerting
Threat intelligence feeds
5.2 Vulnerability Management
We proactively manage vulnerabilities through:
Regular vulnerability scanning (weekly automated scans)
Penetration testing (annual third-party assessments)
Patch management (critical patches within 48 hours)
Security advisories monitoring and response
Zero-day vulnerability rapid response procedures
5.3 Incident Response Plan
Our incident response process includes:
1. Detection & Analysis:
Identify and classify security incidents
Assess severity and potential impact
Determine scope and affected systems
2. Containment:
Isolate affected systems to prevent spread
Preserve evidence for investigation
Implement temporary fixes or workarounds
3. Eradication:
Remove malware, backdoors, or unauthorized access
Patch vulnerabilities that were exploited
Restore systems from clean backups if necessary
4. Recovery:
Restore normal operations
Monitor for signs of persistent threats
Verify system integrity and security
5. Post-Incident:
Conduct root cause analysis
Document lessons learned
Update security controls and procedures
Notify affected parties as required by law.
5.4 Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach:
Affected sellers notified within 24 hours of discovery
Affected customers notified within 72 hours (as required by GDPR)
Regulatory authorities notified as required by law
Detailed incident report provided within 7 days
Remediation plan implemented to prevent recurrence
Notification includes:
Description of the breach and affected data
Potential impact and risks
Steps taken to contain and remediate
Recommended actions for affected parties
Contact information for questions and support
SELLER SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1 Account Security
Sellers are responsible for:
Maintaining strong, unique passwords
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Not sharing login credentials
Logging out of shared or public computers
Reporting suspicious activity immediately
Keeping contact information up-to-date
6.2 Data Protection
Sellers must:
Protect customer data with appropriate security measures
Use secure methods for storing and transmitting data
Not store payment card data (use Stripe tokenization)
Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit
Implement access controls for employees/contractors
Conduct background checks for employees with data access.
6.3 Device Security
Sellers must:
Use up-to-date operating systems and software
Install and maintain antivirus/anti-malware software
Enable firewalls on all devices
Encrypt hard drives and mobile devices
Use secure Wi-Fi networks (avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive operations)
Implement mobile device management (MDM) for business devices
6.4 Employee Training
Sellers must:
Train employees on security best practices
Educate staff on phishing and social engineering
Establish clear security policies and procedures
Conduct regular security awareness training
Test employees with simulated phishing exercises
6.5 Third-Party Security
When working with contractors or service providers, sellers must:
Conduct security due diligence
Require NDAs and confidentiality agreements
Limit access to only necessary data and systems
Monitor third-party access and activity
Terminate access immediately upon contract end
6.6 Incident Reporting
Sellers must report to the Platform immediately:
Suspected or confirmed data breaches
Unauthorized access to customer data
Lost or stolen devices containing customer data
Phishing attempts or social engineering attacks
Malware infections or security incidents
Any suspicious activity or security concerns
Failure to report incidents may result in:
Liability for damages
Termination of Master Seller Agreement
Legal action and regulatory penalties
7. COMPLIANCE & AUDITING
7.1 Security Audits
We conduct regular security audits:
Internal audits: Quarterly reviews of security controls
External audits: Annual third-party security assessments
Penetration testing: Annual ethical hacking exercises
Compliance audits: Regular reviews for PCI DSS, GDPR, CCPA
Vendor audits: Annual reviews of service provider security
7.2 Compliance Monitoring
We continuously monitor compliance with:
PCI DSS requirements (quarterly scans, annual assessments)
GDPR data protection requirements
CCPA consumer privacy requirements
Industry best practices and standards
Contractual obligations to sellers and customers
7.3 Audit Logs
We maintain detailed audit logs of:
User authentication and access
Administrative actions and changes
Data access and modifications
System configuration changes
Security events and incidents
API calls and integrations
Audit logs are:
Retained for at least 1 year
Protected from tampering or deletion
Reviewed regularly for anomalies
Available for investigation and compliance
7.4 Seller Audits
The Platform reserves the right to:
Audit seller security practices
Request documentation of security controls
Conduct on-site or remote security assessments
Require remediation of identified vulnerabilities
Terminate sellers who fail to meet security standards
8. PAYMENT SECURITY (PCI DSS)
8.1 PCI DSS Compliance
We maintain PCI DSS compliance through:
Stripe integration: All payment processing through PCI Level 1 compliant Stripe
No card data storage: We never store full card numbers, CVV, or magnetic stripe data
Tokenization: Card data replaced with secure tokens
Secure transmission: All payment data encrypted in transit
Regular scanning: Quarterly vulnerability scans by approved vendors
Annual assessments: Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) completion
8.2 Seller PCI Responsibilities
Sellers using a Payment Processor integration:
Are responsible for SAQ A compliance (simplest level)
Must use Payment Processor hosted checkout (no direct card handling)
Must not store, process, or transmit card data
Must maintain secure websites (HTTPS, security patches)
Must train employees on payment security
Sellers who handle card data directly:
Must achieve full PCI DSS compliance independently
Must provide evidence of compliance to the Platform
Assume all liability for payment data breaches
May be required to obtain additional insurance
8.3 Payment Fraud Prevention
We implement fraud prevention measures:
Address Verification Service (AVS)
Card Verification Value (CVV) checks
3D Secure authentication (when available)
Velocity checks and transaction limits
IP geolocation and risk scoring
Machine learning fraud detection
8.4 Chargeback Management
We assist with chargeback prevention:
Clear product descriptions and policies
Proof of delivery and tracking
Customer communication records
Transaction documentation
Dispute response support
9. DISASTER RECOVERY & BUSINESS CONTINUITY
9.1 Disaster Recovery Plan
Our disaster recovery plan includes:
Backup systems: Redundant infrastructure across multiple regions
Failover procedures: Automatic switching to backup systems
Data recovery: Restoration from encrypted backups
Communication plan: Notification procedures for sellers and customers
Testing: Annual disaster recovery drills
9.2 Recovery Objectives
Our recovery targets:
Recovery Time Objective (RTO): 24 hours (maximum downtime)
Recovery Point Objective (RPO): 24 hours (maximum data loss)
Critical systems: 4-hour RTO for payment processing and checkout
Non-critical systems: 48-hour RTO for reporting and analytics
9.3 Business Continuity
We maintain business continuity through:
Redundant staff and cross-training
Remote work capabilities
Alternative communication channels
Vendor redundancy and backup providers
Regular plan updates and testing
9.4 Seller Continuity
Sellers should maintain:
Backup inventory and supplier relationships
Alternative shipping and fulfillment options
Emergency contact information
Business continuity insurance
Disaster recovery plans for their own operations
10. EMERGING THREATS & FUTURE SECURITY
10.1 Threat Intelligence
We stay informed about emerging threats:
Monitoring security advisories and bulletins
Participating in threat intelligence sharing
Analyzing attack trends and patterns
Adapting defenses to new threats
Implementing proactive security measures
10.2 Security Roadmap
Our ongoing security initiatives:
2024-2025: Enhanced monitoring and AI-powered threat detection
2025-2026: Zero-trust architecture implementation
2026+: Quantum-resistant encryption preparation
Continuous: Regular security assessments and improvements
10.3 Seller Security Support
We provide sellers with:
Security best practices documentation
Training materials and webinars
Security alerts and advisories
Incident response guidance
Access to security experts for consultation
11. SECURITY VIOLATIONS & ENFORCEMENT
11.1 Prohibited Activities
Sellers must NOT:
Attempt to access other sellers’ data or systems
Circumvent security controls or authentication
Introduce malware, viruses, or malicious code
Conduct unauthorized security testing or scanning
Share login credentials or access with unauthorized parties
Store customer payment data outside of your payment processor
11.2 Consequences of Violations
Security violations may result in:
First offense: Written warning and mandatory remediation
Second offense: Suspension of services for 30 days
Third offense: Termination of Master Seller Agreement
Severe violations: Immediate termination and legal action
Severe violations include:
Data breaches caused by negligence
Intentional security circumvention
Malicious activity or sabotage
Failure to report known breaches
Repeated violations after warnings
11.3 Liability & Indemnification
Sellers are liable for:
Data breaches caused by their negligence
Damages resulting from security violations
Regulatory fines and penalties
Legal costs and settlements
Remediation and notification costs
Sellers agree to indemnify the Platform for:
Claims arising from seller security failures
Damages caused by seller data breaches
Regulatory actions resulting from seller violations
Legal costs defending against seller-related claims
12. CONTACT & REPORTING
12.1 Security Questions
For questions about security:
Email: [email protected]
Dashboard: Submit inquiry through seller dashboard
Phone: 470-422-9199
12.2 Incident Reporting
To report security incidents:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 470-422-9199
Include in your report:
Description of the incident
Date and time of discovery
Affected systems or data
Actions taken so far
Contact information for follow-up
12.3 Vulnerability Disclosure
To report security vulnerabilities:
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: “Vulnerability Disclosure”
Include: Detailed description, steps to reproduce, potential impact
We commit to:
Acknowledge receipt within 24 hours
Investigate and respond within 7 days
Provide updates on remediation progress
Credit responsible disclosure (if desired)
Not pursue legal action against good-faith researchers
13. SELLER DATA & PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS
13.1 Customer Data Use
Sellers must:
Use customer data only for fulfilling orders, customer support, and legally required communications.
Not sell, share, rent, or disclose customer information to any third party except as required to complete transactions.
Not use buyer contact information for off-platform marketing unless the customer has explicitly opted in.
13.2 Data Handling & Storage
Sellers must:
Store customer information securely using encrypted systems and devices.
Limit access to customer data to authorized personnel only.
Delete customer information when no longer required for business or legal purposes.
Never store payment card data in any form.
13.3 Compliance With Privacy Laws
Sellers agree to comply with all applicable privacy laws, including:
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
State privacy laws (Virginia, Colorado, etc.)
Any applicable federal or international data regulations
Sellers are responsible for ensuring their own business operations meet legal compliance.
13.4 Customer Rights & Requests
Sellers must:
Cooperate with the Platform to fulfill customer data requests (access, deletion, correction).
Respond to Platform requests related to customer privacy inquiries within 3 business days.
Not impede customer privacy rights protected under applicable laws.
13.5 Prohibited Uses of Buyer Data
Sellers must NOT:
Add buyers to external mailing lists without consent.
Share buyer data with unrelated third parties.
Use buyer information for profiling or targeted advertising outside the Platform.
Scrape, mine, or export buyer data in bulk formats.
13.6 Data Breach Obligations
In the event of a seller-related breach involving customer data, sellers must:
Notify the Platform within 12 hours of discovery.
Provide all known details relevant to the breach.
Cooperate fully with the Platform’s incident response efforts.
Follow Platform instructions for containment and remediation.
Bear all costs related to breaches caused by seller negligence, including notifications, regulatory fines, and remediation.
13.7 Shared Responsibility Model
Sellers acknowledge that data protection is shared:
Platform responsibilities: hosting environment, encryption, server security, platform monitoring, backup infrastructure.
Seller responsibilities: handling of customer data, device security, staff training, access control, and compliance in their independent operations.
13.8 Privacy & Cookie Policy Acknowledgment
Sellers agree to the Platform’s publicly posted:
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
These policies govern how customer data is collected and processed across the Platform.
13.9 Termination for Privacy Violations
Violations of Seller Data & Privacy requirements may result in:
First offense: Written notice and mandatory remediation
Second offense: 30-day suspension
Third offense: Termination of Master Seller Agreement
Severe violations (e.g., willful misuse of customer data): Immediate termination and legal action
13.10 Liability & Indemnification
Sellers are liable for:
Misuse of customer data
Violations of privacy laws
Data breaches caused by seller negligence
Regulatory fines and penalties
Damages or loss resulting from improper data handling
Sellers agree to indemnify the Platform for all claims arising from seller-side privacy failures.
Policy Updates
This policy may be updated with 30 days’ notice. Continued participation in the marketplace constitutes acceptance of updates. Material changes will be clearly communicated via email and seller dashboard notifications.
These Data & Security Standards are incorporated into your Seller Agreement and are binding upon all sellers.
By participating in The Silver Tuna Marketplace, you agree to the advertising services, strategies, and terms outlined in this document.
Questions and Support
Email Support: [email protected]
Phone: 470-422-9199 | Support Hours: Daily 9 AM – 9 PM EST
Emergency Support: 365/24/7 for critical issues | Issues not deemed critical after hours may be charged for time and service.
Questions about this or any other document? Contact us – we’re here to help you succeed.
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