This Code of Conduct is intended to inform and guide our communications in connection with our Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) practice, including the VINCE platform. We believe that successful vulnerability coordination requires an open exchange of ideas. Open exchange is possible only in an inclusive environment that fosters trust, dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and where participants recognize the inherent worth of every person and group.

Expectations 

  • All VINCE users are expected to follow this Code of Conduct, as well as the modified SEI Terms of Use.
  • All VINCE users are expected to be familiar with our Vulnerability Disclosure Policy.
  • All VINCE users are expected to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming, diverse and inclusive, community.
  • We do not tolerate any form of harassing or offensive behavior.
  • Any offenders who are asked to stop their inappropriate behavior must comply immediately.
  • If a VINCE user engages in inappropriate behavior, the offender may be suspended from further participation in the VINCE platform.

Governing Principles

A welcoming and collegial environment can be achieved when we adopt the following principles in our day-to-day actions and interactions.

Principle

Outcomes

Trust one another

Work better and smarter individually and together and feel better about the work we do, how we do it, where we do it, and for whom we do it.

Respect one another

Feel valued and supported, recognized, and energized to contribute our best at work.       

Be civil

Create and sustain positive experiences that build a safe and supportive environment.

Be inclusive

Foster a sense of belonging, of giving and receiving respect, of enhanced self-esteem, of recognition and acceptance, and of supportive energy and commitment from leaders, colleagues and others.

Terms of Use

The use of VINCE is subject to the SEI Terms of Use, with the following modification:

The VINCE platform is intended to provide a forum for the sharing of vulnerabilities in a controlled manner. Accordingly, to the extent that the posting, upload, or transmittal of any content would normally be prohibited by the SEI Terms of Use, such prohibition shall be inapplicable to the extent that such posting, upload, or transmittal was done for the purposes of coordinated vulnerability disclosure and was made using the VINCE platform as intended.

To the extent of any conflict between this Code of Conduct and the SEI Terms of Use, this Code of Conduct shall control.

Reporting Inappropriate Behavior or Actions

Instances of inappropriate behavior may be reported to the CERT/CC using the private message to CERT/CC mechanism within VINCE. All complaints will be reviewed and investigated promptly and fairly.

Instructions for using the private message feature of VINCE can be found here.

All CERT/CC analysts are obligated to respect the privacy and security of the reporter of any incident.

CERT/CC analysts have the right to remove, edit, or reject comments, issues, and other contributions that are not aligned to this Code of Conduct, and will communicate reasons for such decisions when appropriate.

Corrective actions to the violations of the VINCE Code-of-Conduct may include: private or public warnings, a temporary ban, or even a permanent ban from the system. The CERT/CC will consider these and other options to encourage a cooperative vulnerability coordination and disclosure process.

References and Other Resources

Portions of this document are adapted from

We also recommend VINCE users be familiar with and use bias-free language

VINCE platform: The software service that the CERT/CC provides to enable its Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure practice.

VINCE user: Any user of the VINCE platform, including CERT/CC analysts, researchers, vendors, and other participants.

CERT/CC analyst: Individuals authorized to represent the CERT/CC within the VINCE platform.

  • Self-monitor the respect that you display in all areas of your communications.
  • Before acting, consider the impact of your actions, words, tone, and expressions on others.
  • Be aware that the coordinated disclosure can evoke emotion and remember always to show respect for others' opinions.
  • "Each one influence one” by becoming a bridge builder and role model for civility and respect.
  • Practice sound judgement and apply common sense.
  • Act in a manner whereby you respect yourself, demonstrate respect for others, and take advantage of every opportunity to be proactive in promoting civility and respect.
  • Take responsibility for your actions and practice self-restraint in responding to potential conflicts.
  • Extend trust to individuals with the expectation of receiving that same trust.
  • Communicate effectively which means being transparent, when possible, and ensuring that communication strategies meet the context.
  • Interact with mutual respect and keeping positive communication at the forefront of every interaction.
  • Rely on facts rather than assumptions.
  • Gather relevant facts, especially before acting on assumptions that can damage relationships.
  • Work collaboratively, finding common ground and common goals.
  • Conduct technical discourse that is professional, productive, and focuses on the work or problem, not on the individual.
  • Listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint or cut off another person.
  • Make sure your comments or inputs contribute to the conversation at hand.