Is a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee required to implement industry-standard security measures to protect their systems and data?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- You are required to implement industry-standard administrative, physical, and technical security measures and devices, including firewalls and anti-virus systems, to protect your systems and data from unauthorized access, acquisition, loss, destruction, disclosure or transfer. You are solely responsible for protecting the Franchised Business from viruses, computer hackers and other communications and computer-related problems. You must update and patch your systems, at your expense, as the software and technology vendors release them to ensure your computer system is adequately protected from cyber threats. You may buy the firewall protection system, the virus protection and the content management software programs from any company that sells them. You will be solely responsible for data and data breaches and the
associated risks and liability, even if we recommend a vendor. If you refuse to purchase any required security products, we may purchase them for you, and you must reimburse us. You are also required to use best efforts to verify that your suppliers, lenders, landlords, customers, and governmental agencies are reasonably protected. In the event of a known or suspected security breach, you agree to notify us promptly and comply with applicable laws and any instructions from us regarding response to the breach.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 46–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing FDD, franchisees are required to implement industry-standard administrative, physical, and technical security measures to protect their systems and data. This includes using firewalls and anti-virus systems to prevent unauthorized access, acquisition, loss, destruction, disclosure, or transfer of data. Franchisees are solely responsible for protecting their business from viruses, computer hackers, and other computer-related problems.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees must update and patch their systems at their own expense as software and technology vendors release updates to ensure adequate protection from cyber threats. While franchisees can choose their firewall protection system, virus protection, and content management software programs from any company, they are solely responsible for data and data breaches.
Furthermore, if a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee refuses to purchase required security products, the franchisor may purchase them on their behalf, and the franchisee must reimburse the franchisor. Franchisees are also required to use their best efforts to verify that their suppliers, lenders, landlords, customers, and governmental agencies are reasonably protected. In the event of a known or suspected security breach, franchisees must promptly notify the franchisor and comply with applicable laws and any instructions from the franchisor regarding response to the breach.