Privacy Policy

Effective date: January 1, 2024 · Last updated: January 1, 2024

Overview

HOKTER is a cybersecurity and digital forensics consultancy. We understand the sensitivity of the information our clients and prospective clients share with us. This policy explains what we collect, why, how we handle it, and the choices you have.

This policy applies to information collected through our website (holkter.org), our email and phone channels, and our engagements. It does not replace the confidentiality terms in any signed engagement agreement, which may impose additional obligations on us.

Information we collect

We collect information in a few distinct ways:

• Information you provide. When you submit a form, send an email, or call, you may share your name, company, contact details, and a description of your inquiry or incident. You control what you choose to share.
• Engagement information. When we work with a client, we handle information needed to deliver the engagement — which may include system logs, configurations, employee records, or other material provided by or on behalf of the client.
• Technical information. Like most websites, our server may log basic request data such as IP address, user agent, and pages visited. We use this for operational purposes — security, troubleshooting, capacity — not for marketing.

How we use information

We use information we collect to:

• Respond to inquiries and provide the services you request.
• Conduct and deliver engagements (forensics, incident response, assessments, advisory).
• Operate, secure, and improve our website and internal systems.
• Meet legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
• Communicate about matters relevant to an ongoing or prospective engagement.

We do not sell information. We do not use inquiry submissions for marketing. We do not share information with third parties except as described below.

Confidentiality of inquiries and engagements

Inquiry submissions — including the fact that you contacted us — are treated as confidential. Access is limited to HOKTER personnel who need it to respond or deliver the engagement. Engagement material is handled under the confidentiality terms of the applicable engagement agreement.

Sharing information

We may share information in limited circumstances:

• With service providers that support our operations (for example, email or hosting providers), under agreements that restrict their use of the information.
• With your direction or consent, for example, when coordinating with your legal counsel or another party you have authorized.
• To comply with law or valid legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of HOKTER, our clients, or others.
• In connection with a business transaction such as a merger or acquisition, subject to confidentiality protections.

Data retention

We retain information for as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer period is required by law, regulation, or the terms of an engagement agreement. Inquiry submissions that do not lead to an engagement are retained for a limited period, then deleted.

Engagement records are retained according to the terms of the engagement and any applicable legal requirements — including obligations around evidence preservation and professional record-keeping.

Security

We apply administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information. These include access controls, encrypted transmission for forms and email, and documented handling for engagement material. No system is perfectly secure; we work continuously to reduce risk and respond to issues as they arise.

Your choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights regarding the personal information we hold — including the right to access, correct, or request deletion of certain information. To make a request, contact us at the address below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law. Note that some information may be subject to retention obligations that prevent deletion.

Cookies and tracking

This website does not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking pixels. If we introduce analytics or similar tools in the future, this policy will be updated and, where required, consent will be obtained.

Children

This website and our services are not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

International transfers

HOKTER is based in the United States. Information you share with us may be transferred to and processed in the United States or in other countries where we or our service providers operate. Where required, we apply appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected in the effective date above. Continued use of our website or services after an update indicates acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact us

Questions or requests regarding this policy or our handling of information:

Email: privacy@holkter.org
General inquiries: hello@holkter.org
Phone: +1 (213) 852-8504