Terms of Service

Terms and conditions for using our services

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Agreement to Terms

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

Services

First Hop, LLC provides cybersecurity consulting and technology services including, but not limited to:

  • Cyber Advisory Services (vCISO, strategic guidance)
  • Incident Response & Resilience (preparation, tabletop exercises, recovery)
  • Technology Services (vendor-neutral evaluation, implementation support)

Specific service terms, pricing, and deliverables are outlined in individual Master Services Agreements (MSA) and Statements of Work (SOW).

Engagement Terms

Service Agreements

Specific service engagements are governed by separate Master Services Agreements (MSA) or Statements of Work (SOW) that supplement these Terms of Service. In the event of a conflict, the MSA or SOW takes precedence.

Pricing and Payment

  • Pricing, payment terms, and engagement duration are specified in individual MSAs or SOWs
  • Invoices are issued according to the schedule outlined in your service agreement
  • Payment terms are typically net 30 days unless otherwise specified
  • Late payments may incur interest charges as permitted by law

Intellectual Property

Client Materials

All materials, data, and information provided by the client remain the client’s property. We maintain strict confidentiality of client information as outlined in our confidentiality agreements.

Deliverables

Work product and deliverables created specifically for a client under an engagement become the client’s property upon full payment, unless otherwise specified.

Firm Materials

Our methodologies, templates, tools, and pre-existing materials remain our intellectual property and are licensed to clients for use in connection with our services.

Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information and require the same from our clients regarding our methodologies and proprietary information. Specific confidentiality terms are typically outlined in separate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) or Master Services Agreements (MSA).

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
  • We do not guarantee specific outcomes or results from our services
  • We are not responsible for client’s implementation of recommendations
  • We are not liable for losses resulting from security incidents or breaches

Professional Standards

Our services are provided in accordance with industry professional standards. However:

  • We provide advisory services, not guarantees
  • Security is a risk management process, not an absolute state
  • Implementation of recommendations is the client’s responsibility
  • We are not responsible for actions of third parties, including threat actors

Website Use

Acceptable Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. Prohibited activities include:

  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access
  • Transmitting malware or harmful code
  • Interfering with website operation
  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations

Content Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy, we do not warrant that website content is complete, current, or error-free. Content is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice for your specific situation.

Disclaimer of Warranties

OUR SERVICES AND WEBSITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless First Hop, LLC from claims arising from:

  • Your use of our services or website
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Dallas County, Texas.

Dispute Resolution

We prefer to resolve disputes amicably. If a dispute arises:

  1. Contact us to discuss resolution
  2. Consider mediation if direct discussion fails
  3. Litigation is a last resort

Specific dispute resolution procedures may be outlined in service agreements.

Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated terms on our website. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any service agreements and confidentiality agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and First Hop, LLC.

Contact Information

Questions about these Terms? Contact us:

Email: info@firsthop.io

Service-Specific Terms

Virtual CISO Services

vCISO services are advisory in nature. We provide strategic guidance and recommendations, but:

  • Implementation is the client’s responsibility
  • We are not acting as employees or agents
  • We do not have authority to make decisions on behalf of the client
  • Specific responsibilities are outlined in engagement letters

Incident Response Services

When providing incident response services:

  • We respond based on information provided by the client
  • Successful recovery depends on timely client communication and cooperation
  • We cannot guarantee specific recovery outcomes or timelines
  • Third-party forensic tools and services may be required (separate costs apply)
  • Client is responsible for legal notifications and regulatory reporting

Security Assessments

Assessment reports:

  • Reflect point-in-time observations
  • Are based on information provided and systems accessible during the engagement
  • May not identify all vulnerabilities or risks
  • Require client action to remediate identified issues

Technology Services

When providing technology brokerage or implementation services:

  • We provide vendor-neutral evaluation and recommendations
  • We may connect clients with third-party technology providers
  • We are not responsible for the performance, security, or availability of third-party products or services
  • Contracts with technology vendors are separate agreements between client and vendor
  • Implementation success depends on client’s environment, resources, and cooperation

By engaging our services or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.