Acceptable Use Policy

Last Updated: 02.19.2026

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") governs the use of services provided by Empower Solutions Group, LLC dba Nugget Networks ("Nugget Networks", "we", "us", or "our"). This AUP applies to all customers, clients, and users ("Client", "you") of our colocation, datacenter, hosting, managed services, and related offerings (collectively, the "Services").

This AUP is incorporated by reference into, and forms part of, the Nugget Networks Terms of Service and any signed service agreement, order form, estimate, or contract (collectively, "Terms"). Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meaning set forth in the Terms. If there is a conflict between this AUP and a signed service agreement, the signed service agreement controls for the applicable Services.

1. Client Responsibilities
Client is solely responsible for all systems, equipment, software, data, content, and activities associated with Client’s use of the Services, except for those services expressly contracted in a signed service agreement.

Client responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining the confidentiality and security of all credentials, keys, passwords, and administrative access.
• Securing and maintaining operating systems, firmware, applications, and software (including timely patching).
• Implementing and managing appropriate security controls (firewalls, access controls, encryption, MFA, monitoring).
• Ensuring that hosted or transmitted content and activities comply with applicable law and industry requirements.
• Maintaining accurate and current contact information, including emergency contacts where required.
• Promptly responding to abuse reports, incident notices, and remediation requests from Nugget Networks.
• Ensuring all actions taken by Client, its employees, contractors, agents, and any third parties granted access to Client systems (whether authorized or unauthorized) comply with this AUP.

2. Prohibited Uses (Non-Exhaustive)
Client may not use, or allow others to use, the Services to engage in, enable, facilitate, or support any prohibited activity described below. Prohibited uses include attempted violations and assisting others in violating this AUP.

2.1 Illegal, Harmful, or Fraudulent Activity
Prohibited activities include, without limitation:

• Any activity that violates any applicable law, regulation, court order, or legal process.
• Fraud, theft, deception, phishing, spoofing, social engineering, identity misuse, or impersonation.
• Distribution of counterfeit goods, fraudulent financial schemes, or deceptive marketing practices.
• Operating illegal gambling, or facilitating transactions prohibited by law.

2.2 Security Violations and Malware
Client may not:

• Access, probe, scan, or attempt to access systems, networks, accounts, or data without authorization.
• Host, distribute, or execute malware (viruses, worms, trojans), botnets, ransomware, spyware, or malicious code.
• Engage in credential theft, brute-force attempts, password spraying, exploitation of vulnerabilities, or evasion of authentication.
• Intercept or monitor data without authorization (e.g., packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle) on networks Client does not own or control.
• Operate services designed primarily for malicious use (exploit kits, credential stuffing frameworks), except for authorized testing under Section 4.

2.3 Network Abuse and Disruption
Client may not:

• Conduct or participate in DoS/DDoS attacks or traffic amplification/reflection.
• Generate excessive, abusive, or anomalous traffic that degrades Nugget Networks infrastructure or other customers.
• Announce unauthorized routes/prefixes, engage in route hijacking, or otherwise misconfigure routing in a way that causes harm.
• Operate open proxies, open relays, or open resolvers (e.g., open recursive DNS) without appropriate safeguards and authorization.

2.4 Spam, Unsolicited Messaging, and Reputation Abuse
Client may not:

• Send or facilitate spam, unsolicited bulk communications, or abusive messaging (email, SMS, chat, or similar).
• Operate mailing lists without proper consent, opt-in verification, and unsubscribe mechanisms where required by law.
• Host phishing pages, scam landing pages, abusive link shorteners, or content that deceives users into disclosing sensitive information.
• Use Nugget Networks IP space in a manner that results in blocklisting or reputation harm, or ignore remediation requests.

2.5 Intellectual Property and Rights Infringement
Client may not:

• Infringe, misappropriate, or violate copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, or other rights.
• Host or distribute pirated software, cracked license keys, or copyrighted media without authorization.
• Circumvent DRM or other lawful technological measures.

2.6 Privacy and Data Protection Violations
Client may not:

• Collect, store, process, or disclose personal data in violation of applicable privacy or data protection laws.
• Traffic, sell, or disclose personal information without lawful basis or authorization.
• Engage in unauthorized surveillance or monitoring in violation of law.

2.7 Exploitative or Abusive Content
Client may not host or distribute content that is unlawful or that materially facilitates wrongdoing. This includes, without limitation:

• Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or any sexual content involving minors (strictly prohibited).
• Non-consensual intimate imagery.
• Content or activity intended to cause material harm to others or that is otherwise unlawful.

2.8 Resource Abuse / "Noisy Neighbor" Conduct
Client may not:

• Consume excessive CPU, memory, disk I/O, network, or storage resources in a way that materially interferes with stability or other customers.
• Conduct cryptocurrency mining or proof-of-work workloads without prior written approval (or where prohibited by service order).
• Allow uncontrolled log, backup, or snapshot growth beyond purchased capacity or in a manner that risks service stability.

3. Colocation and Facility Rules
For colocation and datacenter access, Client and its authorized persons must comply with all facility rules, security procedures, and safety requirements. Without limitation:

• Only authorized individuals with valid credentials may access the facility. Sharing credentials and tailgating are prohibited.
• Client must promptly revoke access for terminated personnel and notify Nugget Networks of changes to authorized access lists.
• No tampering with fire suppression, cameras, locks, monitoring devices, power systems, cooling, or building infrastructure.
• Equipment must comply with applicable electrical and safety standards; no unauthorized modifications to PDUs, circuits, grounding, or cooling.
• Cabling must be properly managed and must not obstruct airflow, access pathways, or emergency egress.
• Remote hands / smart hands requests must follow Nugget Networks ticketing and verification procedures.

4. Vulnerability Testing and Security Research
Client may perform security testing (vulnerability scanning, penetration testing) only if all of the following apply:

• Testing is limited to systems, networks, and IP addresses that Client owns or is authorized to test.
• Testing does not materially disrupt Nugget Networks infrastructure or other customers.
• Client provides advance notice when required by Nugget Networks or the applicable service order.
• Client complies with any reasonable rate limits, maintenance windows, and testing guidelines.

Unauthorized scanning or testing of Nugget Networks infrastructure or other customers is prohibited.

5. Enforcement, Mitigation, and Remedies
Nugget Networks may investigate suspected violations of this AUP and may require Client’s cooperation, including providing relevant logs or technical details as reasonably necessary.

If Nugget Networks reasonably believes a violation has occurred or is imminent, Nugget Networks may take action (with or without notice where necessary to protect the Services), including:

• Rate limiting, filtering, blocking, or null-routing traffic.
• Disabling specific ports, protocols, services, accounts, credentials, IP addresses, VLANs, or network access.
• Quarantining systems or requiring password/key resets.
• Suspending or terminating Services in accordance with the Terms and any signed service agreement.
• Notifying law enforcement or third parties where required or appropriate.

Client is responsible for promptly remediating the cause of abuse and preventing recurrence. To the extent allowed by the Terms and applicable law, Client may be responsible for reasonable costs arising from Client’s violation, including incident response efforts and third-party claims.

6. Reporting Abuse and Security Incidents
To report abuse, suspected policy violations, or security incidents, contact:

• Email: abuse@empowerit.us / security@empowerit.us
• Support: help@empowerit.us
• Phone: 210.662.0102

When possible, include source/destination IPs, ports, timestamps (with timezone), relevant URLs, logs, headers, and a brief description of the issue.

7. Changes to This AUP
Nugget Networks reserves the right to review, modify, and update this AUP at any time on an as-needed basis. Notice of material changes will be provided by electronic mail to the designated point of contact associated with Client’s account. Unless otherwise expressly stated in the notice, updates become effective immediately upon delivery of notice. Client’s continued use of the Services after notice constitutes acceptance of the revised AUP.

If Client does not agree to the modified AUP, Client’s sole remedy is to discontinue use of the Services in accordance with any applicable service agreement and termination provisions.

8. Contact Information
Questions regarding this AUP should be directed to Nugget Networks at:

Empower Solutions Group, LLC
Attn: Abuse
7700 Broadway, Suite 104-188
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Abuse@empowerit.us
Phone: 210.662.0102