Editorial Standards & Policies

These standards describe how SecurityCompassHQ separates research, editorial judgment and commercial relationships. They should be read alongside the current review method and research status.

Quick verdict: Current reviews are research-based buyer guides. Legacy numerical ratings are under review. Commercial compensation is not evidence of product quality and must not determine editorial conclusions.

Editorial independence principles

  • Evidence comes first. A recommendation must explain its sources, assumptions and limits. Commercial relationships are not a substitute for evidence.
  • No pay-to-rank. Brands cannot purchase better rankings, higher scores, or more favorable editorial positioning.
  • No sponsored content. We do not publish sponsored posts, native advertising, or brand-funded content of any kind.
  • No free product acceptance for positive coverage. We do not accept free products or services in exchange for positive reviews.
  • No advertiser review before publication. Advertisers and affiliate partners do not review, approve, or edit our content before publication.

Affiliate disclosure summary

What is true What is not true
We earn commissions from affiliate networks Commissions change our editorial scores
Paid links should carry an appropriate sponsored link attribute Rankings are paid for by brands
Relevant commercial relationships should be disclosed with the recommendation Brands can purchase favorable coverage
Any compensation arrangement should be described in the disclosure We accept free products for positive reviews

Read our full affiliate disclosure →

Accuracy and update standards

  • Dates and update scope must be clear. A targeted correction does not mean every price was rechecked. Identify the source, date, billing interval and relevant conditions for a quoted price.
  • Material changes need review. New equipment, plans or contract terms can change a comparison. Identify information that has not yet been rechecked instead of promising an immediate update.
  • Corrections should be traceable. Assess reported factual errors against the available sources. Add a dated note for material corrections and reconsider affected conclusions. Response and investigation times vary.

To submit a correction: see our corrections policy →

Frequently asked questions

Are any rankings on SecurityCompassHQ sponsored? +
Brands cannot purchase a favorable editorial conclusion. Current reviews are research-based guides, and legacy numerical ratings are under review. A recommendation should be supported by the evidence and limitations described on the page.
How does SecurityCompassHQ make money? +
Some links or introductions may generate compensation. See the disclosure page and any notice accompanying a recommendation for the relevant relationship. An introduction does not guarantee a discount or particular terms.
Can a brand ask you to change a review? +
Yes. A brand can identify a factual error and provide supporting sources. A supported correction may also change an editorial conclusion. Commercial pressure is not evidence, and editorial decisions remain Taylor's responsibility.
How do you handle conflicts of interest? +
Taylor is responsible for editorial decisions. Relevant commercial relationships should be disclosed, and compensation must not determine a conclusion. The site does not accept free products or services in exchange for positive coverage or publish sponsored content.
What is your corrections policy? +
Use the corrections page to identify the affected URL, claim and supporting source. Material factual corrections should receive a dated note, and related comparisons or conclusions may also need updating. Response and investigation times vary.

Our independent editorial coverage: All brand reviews and comparison pages should be assessed against these standards and the current research method.

Related reading: Full scoring methodology · How we test · Corrections policy · All brand reviews

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