Who is responsible for protecting a Craters & Freighters franchise from viruses and computer hackers?

According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for protecting their business from viruses, computer hackers, and other computer-related problems. Craters & Freighters explicitly states that franchisees cannot sue them for any harm caused by these types of issues. This allocation of responsibility is typical in franchising, where franchisees generally manage their own day-to-day IT security.

This means a prospective Craters & Freighters franchisee needs to factor in the costs and efforts associated with cybersecurity. They will need to implement their own security measures, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and employee training, to protect their systems and data. These measures are crucial for safeguarding sensitive business and customer information, maintaining operational continuity, and complying with data protection regulations.

While Craters & Freighters provides access to proprietary software for managing various aspects of the business, the responsibility for securing the computer systems on which that software runs falls squarely on the franchisee. This includes staying informed about emerging cyber threats, regularly updating security software, and establishing protocols for data backup and disaster recovery. The franchisee should consult with IT professionals to ensure they have adequate protection in place. Given this responsibility, prospective franchisees should inquire during their due diligence about any specific IT security standards or recommendations Craters & Freighters may have, even though the onus of security ultimately rests with the franchisee.