Let me start by saying that I am a computer security researcher. Part of my job is to create malware to deploy on a controlled environment in order to study or evaluate several aspects of computer security.
Now, I am starting to think that using an online code hosting service (such as BitBucket, Github, etc…) to have all my code in 1 place, would allow me to work on my projects more efficiently.
My question is: Are there any issues with this? I have studied those companies’ privacy policies, and they state that they allow usage of their services for lawful usage. Since I am not distributing malware, but I am only using it on my machines and machines that I am authorized to use, aren’t I allowed to use the service? For the usage that I am doing, malware is the same as any other software.
I recognise that I should be extremely careful with code hosting, as any mistake from my part could hold me liable for damages and leave me open against legal action. As such I am recognizing that I should use private repositories, so the code is not available to the public. But how private is a private repository? How can I trust that companies like them will not leak or sell a potential (electronic) viral weaponry that I may have created in the future?
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As a former host operator (so no, I’m not selling) I would suggest that you’d probably fall foul of the general T&Cs of all reputable hosts.
However, I’d suggest contacting some, and explain what you are wanting… assuming they know what’s what, you may find them amenable – especially if you pick a smaller company where people lower down the food chain may have some decision making powers.
BigCo hosts will probably have no route to approve your request.
You may also have better chances if you are running a dedicated server, rather than a shared hosting provision.
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In the context of @Andrew’s answer, also keep in mind that BitBucket offers free private repos, so you could host your code there without as much concern for it getting into the wild.
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