Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Gridlock cybersecurity platform, including our website at lockthegrid.com, our web application, and all related services (collectively, the "Service"), provided by DirtySouthAlpha LLC, doing business as Gridlock ("Gridlock," "we," "us," or "our").

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, registering for, or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, along with our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference. If you are using the Service on behalf of an organization, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

You must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to use the Service. If you are under 18, you may only use the Service under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and DirtySouthAlpha LLC.

2. Description of Service

Gridlock is a cybersecurity SaaS platform designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), IT teams, and technology professionals. The Service provides:

• Security monitoring: Automated scanning and analysis of external-facing assets including websites, DNS configurations, SSL/TLS certificates, and open ports
• Threat detection: AI-powered analysis of scan results to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential security threats
• Compliance auditing: Automated assessments against security frameworks including NIST, CIS Controls, HIPAA, and SOC 2 readiness criteria
• MSP lead generation: An AI agent that identifies potential MSP prospects based on publicly available information and security posture indicators
• AI-powered agents: A suite of autonomous software agents for threat research, technical support guidance, compliance management, onboarding assistance, and client relationship management

The Service is provided as-is and may include features in various stages of development. We reserve the right to modify, add, or discontinue features at any time with reasonable notice.

Gridlock does not provide managed security services, incident response, or direct remediation of discovered vulnerabilities unless explicitly stated in a separate service agreement. Our Service identifies and reports on security issues; the responsibility for remediation remains with you or your organization.

3. Free Scanner Tool Disclaimer

Gridlock may offer free scanning tools accessible without a paid subscription ("Free Tools"). By using any Free Tool, you agree to the following:

• Authorization required: You may only scan websites, domains, IP addresses, or other assets that you own or have explicit written authorization to test. Scanning assets without authorization may violate federal and state computer fraud and abuse laws (including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1030) and applicable laws in other jurisdictions
• Legal responsibility: You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the Free Tools complies with all applicable laws. Gridlock does not authorize, encourage, or facilitate the scanning of any asset without proper authorization
• Accuracy: Results from the Free Tools are provided for informational purposes only and may not be as comprehensive as results from our paid plans. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of free scan results
• Rate limits: Free Tools are subject to rate limits and usage restrictions. We reserve the right to limit or block usage that exceeds reasonable levels
• No SLA: No service level agreement, uptime guarantee, or support obligation applies to the Free Tools

If you are unsure whether you have authorization to scan a particular asset, do not use the Free Tools against it.

4. Account Requirements and Responsibilities

4.1 Account Creation

To access the full Service, you must create an account by providing accurate, complete, and current information, including a valid email address. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• Restricting access to your computer or device to prevent unauthorized access to your account
• All activities that occur under your account, whether or not you authorized them
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Keeping your account information up to date

4.2 Team Accounts

Account owners may invite team members and assign roles with varying permissions. The account owner is responsible for the actions of all team members. You agree to ensure that all team members comply with these Terms.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use the Service to:

• Scan, probe, or test any website, server, network, or system that you do not own or have explicit written authorization to test
• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts, data, or our systems
• Reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the Service
• Use automated scripts, bots, or scrapers to access the Service in a manner that exceeds our intended use or places undue load on our infrastructure
• Interfere with, disrupt, or attempt to overload the Service or any servers or networks connected to the Service
• Use the Service to transmit malware, spam, or any harmful code
• Resell, sublicense, redistribute, or charge others for access to the Service without our prior written consent
• Misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity
• Circumvent any security measures, rate limits, or access restrictions implemented by the Service

We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate action against anyone who, in our sole discretion, violates this provision, including suspending or terminating their account.

6. Service Availability

6.1 Free Tier and Free Tools

The free tier of the Service and any free scanning tools are provided on an as-is, best-effort basis with no guaranteed uptime, availability, or response time. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue free features at any time without prior notice.

6.2 Paid Subscriptions

For paid subscribers, we use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the availability of the Service. However, we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. The Service may be unavailable due to:

• Scheduled maintenance (we will attempt to provide at least 48 hours' advance notice)
• Emergency maintenance or security updates (with little or no advance notice)
• Force majeure events (natural disasters, power outages, internet disruptions, government actions)
• Failures of third-party services beyond our control (e.g., AI API providers, payment processors)
• Hardware or software failures despite our best efforts to prevent them

No uptime SLA is currently offered. We do not provide service level credits or other compensation for downtime. If we introduce a formal SLA in the future, it will be communicated to paid subscribers and will be available in our documentation.

6.3 Service Modifications

We may modify, add, or remove features from the Service with reasonable notice to paid subscribers. We will not materially reduce the functionality of a paid plan without providing advance notice and an opportunity to cancel without penalty.

7. Payment and Billing

7.1 Subscription Plans

The Service is offered in multiple subscription tiers with different features and usage limits. Current pricing and feature details are available on our website. Prices are listed in USD.

7.2 Payment Processing

Payment is processed by Stripe, Inc., our authorized payment processor. By subscribing to a paid plan, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service. We do not store your credit card number or other full payment credentials on our servers.

7.3 Billing Cycle

Subscriptions are billed on a monthly or annual basis, depending on the plan you select. Annual plans are billed upfront at the time of purchase. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel before the renewal date.

7.4 Price Changes

We may adjust our pricing with at least 30 days' advance notice to existing subscribers. If we increase your plan price and you do not wish to continue at the new rate, you may cancel your subscription before the increase takes effect without penalty.

7.5 Refunds

Refund requests made within 14 days of an initial subscription purchase will be reviewed and, at our discretion, may be honored in full. After 14 days, refunds are not guaranteed and are issued at our sole discretion on a case-by-case basis. To request a refund, contact [email protected].

7.6 Taxes

You are responsible for any applicable taxes (including sales tax, VAT, or GST) imposed in connection with your use of the Service. Tax amounts, where applicable, will be displayed at checkout and included in your total.

7.7 Late Payment and Cancellation

If a payment fails, we may suspend your access to paid features until payment is successfully processed. We may attempt to charge your payment method multiple times over a reasonable period. If payment cannot be collected, your account may be downgraded to the free tier. There are no cancellation fees.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 Our Intellectual Property

The Service, including its software, design, text, graphics, logos, icons, interface, and overall appearance ("Platform IP"), is owned by DirtySouthAlpha LLC and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You do not acquire any ownership rights in the Platform IP by using the Service.

Your use of the Service is subject to a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Service for its intended purposes during the term of your subscription.

8.2 Your Data and Content

You retain full ownership of all data, content, scan results, and information you upload, generate, or collect through the Service ("Your Data"). This includes:

• Security scan results and vulnerability reports
• Client information and MSP prospect data
• Compliance audit results
• Configuration data and account settings

By using the Service, you grant Gridlock a limited, non-exclusive license to process, store, and display Your Data solely as necessary to provide the Service to you.

8.3 Feedback

If you provide feedback, suggestions, or feature requests regarding the Service, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, incorporate, and distribute that feedback without any obligation to compensate you.

8.4 Gridlock Name and Trademarks

"Gridlock" and the Gridlock logo are trademarks of DirtySouthAlpha LLC. You may not use our name, logo, or trademarks in any marketing materials, social media posts, or other public communications without our prior written consent.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that:

• The Service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free
• The results obtained from the Service will be accurate, complete, or reliable
• Security scan results will identify all vulnerabilities or threats
• The Service will meet your specific requirements or expectations
• Any defects or errors in the Service will be corrected

Security scanning and threat detection tools cannot identify every possible vulnerability. The absence of findings does not guarantee that a system is secure. You are responsible for implementing appropriate security measures independent of the Service.

9.2 Limitation of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GRIDLOCK NOR ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUES, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE), EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

9.3 Cap on Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

This limitation of liability applies to the fullest extent permitted by law. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or liabilities, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DirtySouthAlpha LLC, its officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in any way connected with:

• Your use of the Service, including any scanning or testing activities conducted through the Service
• Your violation of these Terms, including the Acceptable Use policy (Section 5) and the Free Scanner Disclaimer (Section 3)
• Your violation of any applicable law, regulation, or third-party right
• Scanning or testing any asset without proper authorization
• Your violation of any data privacy or security obligation, including obligations to your own clients
• Any content or data you provide, upload, or generate through the Service
• Any dispute between you and a third party arising from your use of the Service

This indemnification obligation will survive the termination or expiration of these Terms.

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting [email protected]. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. There are no cancellation fees.

11.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service in the following circumstances:

• For cause: Immediately and without prior notice if you materially breach these Terms (including the Acceptable Use policy), engage in unauthorized scanning, or use the Service in a manner that poses a risk to us, our users, or third parties
• For convenience: With at least 30 days' advance written notice via email to your account address. In this case, we will provide a pro-rata refund for any prepaid but unused portion of your subscription
• Non-payment: If payment cannot be collected after multiple attempts, your paid access may be suspended and eventually downgraded to the free tier

11.3 Data Export Upon Termination

Upon termination or cancellation, you may export your data from your account dashboard for a period of 30 days after termination. After this period, your data will be deleted in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We encourage you to export your data before cancellation.

11.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Service ceases immediately (or at the end of your billing period for voluntary cancellation)
• Sections 1, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15 survive termination
• Any accrued rights or obligations of either party prior to termination survive

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you agree to first contact us at [email protected] and attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will attempt to respond within 30 days. If the dispute is not resolved within 60 days of your initial contact, either party may proceed with formal legal action.

12.2 Binding Arbitration

Any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator and shall take place in the county where DirtySouthAlpha LLC is headquartered. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

12.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration against us.

12.4 Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement, misappropriation, or violation of intellectual property rights or confidentiality obligations.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes not subject to arbitration under Section 12 shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Delaware, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

For users located in the European Economic Area, UK, or other jurisdictions with mandatory consumer protection laws, these Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the State of Delaware. However, where mandatory local law provides greater protections, those protections shall apply.

14. Modifications to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Effective" date at the top of this page
• We will notify registered users via email at least 30 days before material changes take effect
• We may display a prominent notice within the Service (including a banner or login prompt) requiring your acknowledgment

Continued use of the Service after modifications become effective constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you must cancel your account before the changes take effect.

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. The most current version will always be available at lockthegrid.com/terms.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gridlock regarding the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver of any provision will be effective only if in writing and signed by us.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights under these Terms, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets.

15.5 Export Compliance

The Service is controlled for export by U.S. export control laws. You agree to comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). You represent that you are not located in any country subject to a U.S. embargo or comprehensive sanctions program.

15.6 Electronic Communications

You consent to receive electronic communications from us regarding your account, the Service, and these Terms. We may communicate with you by email, in-product notifications, or other electronic means.

16. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, please contact us: