Privacy Policy for BestLink Strategies, LLC Self Paced Cybersecurity Program
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
1. Introduction
BestLink Strategies, LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects the privacy of our students, website visitors, and clients and is committed to protecting personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and sharing of personal information in compliance with federal and Virginia state laws.
2. Personal Information Collected
We collect personal information to provide services, ensure program security, and improve user experience. This includes but is not limited to:
- Name, email, address, and contact details
- Educational and professional information
- Technical data, such as IP addresses, login credentials, and activity on our platforms
3. Purpose of Data Collection
We collect and process data to:
- Deliver educational services and program features
- Improve the quality and security of our services
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Provide targeted communication related to program updates and opportunities
4. Legal Basis for Processing (Federal and Virginia State Laws)
We adhere to all applicable federal and Virginia state laws regarding data protection and privacy, including:
Federal Compliance
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Protects the privacy of student education records. We ensure that personal educational information is handled in compliance with FERPA.
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): For financial data security, we maintain safeguards to protect any sensitive data that may fall under GLBA.
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): We do not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 13.
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): We have protocols to prevent unauthorized access to our networks and protect against cyber threats.
Virginia Compliance
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA): We ensure consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data processing for Virginia residents. We implement clear processes for handling personal information as per VCDPA requirements.
- Virginia Consumer Protection Act: We adhere to the requirements to prevent deceptive practices and ensure accurate representations of our services.
5. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We may share personal information with trusted third parties, including:
- Service providers assisting in program delivery and security
- Regulatory and governmental authorities as required by law
- Affiliates and partners for the provision of additional services
All third parties are required to uphold privacy standards in compliance with federal and state laws.
6. Security Measures
We implement technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect personal information. These include encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, in compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for program delivery, compliance with legal obligations, and as required by the applicable laws.
8. User Rights (for Virginia Residents)
Under the VCDPA, Virginia residents have the right to:
- Access their personal information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Delete their personal data
- Opt out of data processing for targeted advertising
Requests can be submitted to [email protected], and we will respond in accordance with Virginia law.
9. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in federal and Virginia state laws or our practices. Any updates will be posted on our website with the effective date of change.
10. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data rights, please contact us at:
- Email: [email protected]
This policy covers the essential compliance requirements, including rights under the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, as well as relevant federal laws such as FERPA and GLBA for cybersecurity education providers. Always have a legal professional review privacy policies to ensure full compliance with current legal standards.