These are the rules for using DDF and DDI services and the Aqonis platform. By creating an account or using our services, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, don't use the platform.
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the websites, platforms, and services operated by Digital Defense Foundation ("DDF") and Digital Defense Institute ("DDI"), including the Aqonis platform (aqonis.com). DDF is a nonprofit cybersecurity education organization. DDI is DDF's for-profit subsidiary and the operator of Aqonis.
By clicking "I Agree," creating an account, or otherwise accessing our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you are using our services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.
01Eligibility
To use DDF or DDI services, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age, or have verifiable parental or guardian consent if under 18 and participating through an institutional program (such as a workforce development cohort or school-based program)
- Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
- Not be prohibited from receiving services under applicable law
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason not prohibited by law.
02Accounts
2.1 Account Creation
To access certain features of the Aqonis platform or DDF programs, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep that information updated.
2.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately at [email protected] if you suspect unauthorized access to your account. We are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorized use of your account credentials.
2.3 One Account Per User
Each individual may maintain only one active account. Accounts are non-transferable. Creating duplicate accounts or sharing access credentials is prohibited.
03Services
3.1 Aqonis Platform
DDI operates Aqonis, a gamified cybersecurity certification preparation platform. Aqonis includes learning content, hands-on labs, assessments, streak tools, and coaching services. Access to specific features depends on your subscription tier.
3.2 DDF Programs
DDF offers cohort-based cybersecurity education programs, scholarship and voucher programs, and community access programming. Enrollment in DDF programs is subject to separate program agreements and eligibility requirements.
3.3 Service Availability
We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to our services. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature or service at any time, with or without notice. We are not liable for any interruption or discontinuation of services.
3.4 Accessibility
DDF and DDI are committed to making our programs and platform accessible to learners of all backgrounds and abilities. If you require an accommodation to access our services, contact us at [email protected]. We will work with you to identify a reasonable solution.
04Subscriptions & Payments
4.1 Subscription Plans
Access to Aqonis is available through paid subscription plans. Pricing, billing cycles, and plan features are described on aqonis.com/pricing. We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days' notice to active subscribers.
4.2 Billing
By subscribing, you authorize DDI to charge your payment method on a recurring basis at the frequency selected (monthly or annual). Payments are processed through our third-party payment processor. We do not store full payment card information.
4.3 Refunds
Subscriptions may be cancelled at any time. Cancellation stops future charges but does not entitle you to a refund of amounts already billed except as required by applicable law or as specified in our refund policy at aqonis.com/refunds. Enterprise and institutional agreements are governed by separate contract terms.
4.4 Free Trials
If you access Aqonis through a free trial, you must provide valid payment information. At the end of the trial period, you will be automatically charged unless you cancel before the trial expires.
05Acceptable Use
You agree to use DDF and DDI services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:
- Violate any applicable law or regulation
- Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation
- Share, resell, or redistribute platform content or account access without authorization
- Attempt to reverse-engineer, scrape, or extract content from the platform by automated means
- Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of our services or infrastructure
- Upload or transmit malware, spam, or any content designed to harm users or systems
- Use the platform for commercial purposes outside of your licensed subscription tier
- Circumvent any access controls, content restrictions, or security features
Violation of this section may result in immediate account suspension or termination without refund.
06Intellectual Property
6.1 Our Content
All content on the Aqonis platform and DDF programs — including curriculum, lesson materials, assessments, lab environments, visual design, brand elements, and the Aqonis name and logo — is the intellectual property of Digital Defense Institute (DDI) or its licensors. "Aqonis" is a trademark of Digital Defense Institute. All rights reserved.
Your subscription grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use platform content for personal, non-commercial learning purposes only.
6.2 Your Content
You retain ownership of any content you submit to the platform (such as journal entries, lab outputs, or forum posts). By submitting content, you grant DDI a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and store that content as necessary to provide the service.
6.3 WeCodeKC Curriculum
Curriculum developed by Jenn Charles for WeCodeKC is owned by Jenn Charles and is not licensed to DDF or DDI for platform use without explicit written authorization.
6.4 Feedback
If you submit feedback, suggestions, or ideas about our services, you grant DDI the right to use that feedback without restriction or compensation.
07Certification & Credential Disclaimer
Aqonis prepares learners for third-party certifications, including CompTIA Security+. DDF and DDI are not affiliated with CompTIA or any other certification body unless explicitly stated. We do not guarantee that use of the platform will result in passing any certification exam.
Completion credentials issued by Aqonis (such as course completion badges or program certificates) are not equivalent to industry certifications and do not constitute professional licensure.
08Third-Party Services & Links
Our services may integrate with or link to third-party platforms (such as Zoom, GoHighLevel, or payment processors). Your use of those services is governed by their own terms and privacy policies. We are not responsible for the content, availability, or practices of third-party services.
09Disclaimer of Warranties
OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DDF AND DDI DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
In plain terms: we do not promise the platform will always work perfectly, be error-free, or produce a specific outcome. We will work to resolve issues, but we cannot guarantee uninterrupted performance.
10Limitation of Liability
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DDF AND DDI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES — INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL — ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OUR SERVICES, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO DDI IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM. IF YOU HAVE PAID NOTHING, OUR LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO $100.
In plain terms: if something goes wrong, the most you can recover from us is what you paid in the past year — or $100 if you paid nothing.
11Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DDF, DDI, their officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from: (a) your use of our services; (b) your violation of these Terms; or (c) your violation of any third-party rights.
12Termination
12.1 By You
You may cancel your account or subscription at any time by contacting [email protected] or through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.
12.2 By Us
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms, non-payment, fraudulent activity, or conduct that we determine in our sole discretion is harmful to other users, our organization, or the cybersecurity community.
12.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, your right to access the platform and its content ceases immediately. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination — including intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, and indemnification — will survive.
13Governing Law & Disputes
By agreeing to these Terms, you waive your right to a jury trial and to participate in a class action lawsuit. Please read this section carefully before using our services.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Kansas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered in Johnson County, Kansas, except that either party may seek injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property or confidential information.
By agreeing to these Terms, you waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action lawsuit related to our services.
14Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will post the updated Terms with a revised effective date and notify active users via email or in-app notification. Your continued use of our services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
15Contact
For legal inquiries, disputes, and Terms-related questions: [email protected]
For account support, billing, and platform access: [email protected]
Digital Defense Foundation / Digital Defense Institute
Contact: Jenn Charles, Founder & CEO
Mailing Address: 12022 Blue Valley Parkway, PMB 595, Overland Park, KS 66212