Level 1 — Contact Only
security.txt published; a researcher can reach someone. No policy yet.
The organisation is findable and has a working intake method for security reports. This is typically evidenced by a security.txt file and/or a dedicated security contact (email, form, or URL). The bar is deliberately low — it just means a researcher can reach someone. There is no policy document, no legal commitment, and no defined process. But you exist, and you can be found.
What observers see
security.txtpublished at/.well-known/security.txt(RFC 9116)- At least one valid
Contact:entry (email, URL, or phone) - Optionally:
Policy:,Encryption:,Acknowledgments:,Hiring:,Preferred-Languages:
Researcher protection
None in writing. There’s an address to send things to, but no promises about what will happen after you do.
Path to Level 2
Publish a VDP document at the Policy: URL listed in your security.txt. At minimum it should describe:
- What you accept reports about (scope)
- How to submit a report
- What researchers can expect back (response cadence, resolution process)
See terms/core-vdp.md for a starting template.