At OwnerCo Connect, LLC ("OwnerCo"), security is at the core of what we do. Protecting your information is not only a priority—it’s a responsibility we take seriously. This guide is designed to educate and empower you to protect yourself from potential fraud and cybersecurity threats, while providing clarity on how we safeguard your information. However, security is a shared responsibility. By using our website and services, you acknowledge and agree that no system can guarantee absolute security. This guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. For more details on our practices, refer to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Notice. 1. Understanding Security and Fraud Risks In today’s digital world, the speed of innovation comes with increasing complexity in cybersecurity threats. While we leverage cutting-edge technologies to secure your data, cybercriminals continuously adapt their tactics. It’s crucial to understand that fraud can target anyone, often exploiting trust, urgency, and human error. Imagine receiving an email that looks like it’s from a trusted source—a bank, a colleague, or even us. The email may appear genuine, but one misplaced click could expose your personal or financial information to fraudsters. This is just one example of phishing, a common type of fraud that thrives on deception. Fraud can take many forms, from fake investment schemes promising unrealistic returns to malware hidden in seemingly innocent downloads. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward protecting yourself. Awareness is your first line of defense. By understanding the tactics fraudsters use, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your information. 2. Common Types of Fraud and Cyber Threats

• Phishing: These scams arrive as emails or texts that appear to come from legitimate sources, asking for sensitive information or prompting you to click malicious links.
• Fake Websites: Fraudsters create websites that mimic trusted companies to steal login credentials or payment data. Always inspect the URL for errors.
• Social Engineering: This involves manipulating individuals into revealing confidential data by impersonating trusted contacts or creating urgency.
• Malware and Ransomware: These are malicious programs that lock files, demand payment, or steal data—often spread through unsafe downloads or email attachments.
• Fake Seller Scams: Be cautious of sellers who refuse to provide proper documentation, misrepresent their business performance, or request large deposits before due diligence. Legitimate sellers will provide verifiable financial records and allow proper inspection of their business. Always verify seller information through OwnerCo Connect, LLC or your designated M&A advisor before transferring any funds or signing agreements.
• Advance Fee Scams: Never pay upfront fees to "guarantee" loan approval or to "release" approved funds. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from disbursed funds, not before. Be wary of lenders who guarantee approval regardless of credit, request payment via wire transfer or gift cards, or pressure you to act immediately. All lending partners in our network are vetted, but always verify through official OwnerCo Connect channels.
• Verify Provider Identity: Only work with service providers introduced through the official OwnerCo Connect platform. If someone contacts you claiming to be affiliated with OwnerCo, verify their identity by calling us directly at our published number. Never share sensitive information with providers who contact you unsolicited or pressure you to work outside our platform. Report any suspicious contacts immediately.
• Takeaway: Understanding these threats empowers you to act cautiously and avoid falling victim to scams.

3. Best Practices for Protecting Yourself

• Verify Communications: Always verify the authenticity of messages before sharing sensitive information. Contact the organization using official contact details.
• Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: We will never ask for passwords or confidential data via email or phone.
• Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords and avoid reusing them. Consider using a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add a second layer of security to your logins.
• Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Hover over links to inspect URLs and avoid opening unknown attachments.
• Secure Your Devices: Keep your software and systems updated with the latest security patches.
• Use Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Use a VPN when needed.
• Disclaimer: Following these practices reduces risk but does not eliminate it. Consult professionals for specific advice.

4.Service Provider Security Protocols When you engage with services through our platform, you may work directly with our service provider partners, including OwnerCo, LLC for M&A advisory services, RM Financial, LLC for lending services, and various partners for growth services. While OwnerCo Connect, LLC maintains robust security measures for our platform, each service provider has their own security protocols and practices. When applying for services through our platform, you will be asked to accept our Universal Service Application Terms, which include important security provisions. For lending services, the Credit Authorization & Consent provides additional protections regarding your financial information. We carefully vet all service providers in our network, but we encourage you to:

• Review each service provider's security policies and procedures when engaging their services
• Verify that communications are coming from the correct provider through official channels
• Understand what information each provider needs and why they need it
• Ask questions about how your data will be protected throughout your engagement

The security measures described in this guide apply specifically to the OwnerCo Connect, LLC platform. When you begin working with a service provider, you enter into a direct relationship with that provider, and their security practices will govern that interaction. We recommend maintaining the same vigilance with all service providers that you would with any professional service relationship. If you have concerns about a service provider's security practices or encounter suspicious activity related to any provider in our network, please contact us immediately so we can investigate and take appropriate action. 5. Recognizing Fraudulent Communications Fraudulent messages often have red flags such as:

• Urgent requests to verify or confirm personal data

• Misspelled sender emails or URLs

• Promises of rewards that seem too good to be true

• Attachments or links requiring immediate action

• If you suspect a message is fraudulent, do not click any links or download attachments. Report it immediately.

6. Reporting Suspicious Activity If you believe you have been targeted by fraud:

• Cease all communication with the suspicious party

• Change your passwords and enable 2FA

• Notify OwnerCo immediately

• Report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local authorities

Contact us at: OwnerCo Connect LLC, 111 Sandra Muraida Way, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78703. 7. A Shared Responsibility At OwnerCo, we employ advanced security measures, but your vigilance is essential. Together, we can reduce the risks posed by fraud and cybercrime. Refer to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Notice for additional information. 8. Updates to This Guide As threats evolve, we may update this guide to provide relevant, up-to-date guidance. Revisions will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of the updated guide.