# Hack Score methodology: a ranking with zero black box

The Hack Score is a public score out of 100, recomputed every night with the same fixed weighting for every product. No position can be bought.

## Formula

```
Hack Score = reviews x 35% + transparency x 30% + maintenance x 20% + trust x 15%
(each signal scored 0-100, then weighted; the weighted sum is the Hack Score /100)
```

## Signals

Each signal is scored out of 100, then weighted. The sum gives the Hack Score shown on profiles, rankings and the comparator.

### Verified user reviews — 35%

Average rating weighted by volume and freshness. Every review requires a proof of use: a product screenshot, an invoice or an account export. The 4 sub-ratings (ease of use, features, support, value for money) count equally.

Note: ONLY REVIEWS WITH PROOF OF USE COUNT

### Machine-checked transparency — 30%

Six public links checked automatically: website, pricing page, documentation, changelog, security page, status page. Passing check = full points. Dead or missing link = zero on that artifact, until fixed.

Note: EVERY CHECK RESULT IS SHOWN ON THE PROFILE, WITH ITS DATE

### Maintenance — 20%

A recently published changelog, an up-to-date profile, solid completeness. Living software publishes its updates; dormant software mechanically drops.

Note: FRESHNESS IS MEASURED, NOT DECLARED

### Trust — 15%

Domain verified via DNS or a well-known file, profile claimed by the vendor, top-category position, hackdvisor badge detected on the website. The badge is worth up to +5 points: +2 on detection, then +1 at 1, 3 and 6 months of continuous presence. Checked nightly: badge removed, points removed.

## How a review gets verified

No review publishes itself. Every submission goes through three checks before appearing on a profile.

1. Proof of use: A screenshot of the product in use, an invoice or an account export. The document stays private, only the "verified proof of use" mention is public.
2. Human moderation: The Hackdvisor team checks the proof and the text within 72h. It can ask for more details before publication.
3. Right of reply: The vendor can reply publicly to every review. It can report an abuse, never delete a verified review.

## What never moves the score

- Paying Hackdvisor. There is no paid offer that touches the ranking.
- The traffic sent to the vendor's website or the clicks on its links.
- Reviews without proof of use. They simply never get published.
- Seniority on Hackdvisor. A profile created yesterday can overtake one from 2024.

## FAQ

### How often does the score change?

The score is recomputed every night and rankings are refreshed every 15 minutes. A new review, a published update or a fixed link shows up fast.

### Why did my score drop without any action on my side?

Freshness matters. A changelog silent for months weighs on maintenance, and a link that breaks drops its transparency check to zero.

### How do the transparency checks work?

A robot regularly checks the six public links of the profile. Changed URL = check reset, then re-tested. The result and its date are shown on the profile.

### Can rank #1 be sponsored?

No. There is no paid placement on Hackdvisor, not today and not when vendor plans launch.

### How do I dispute a review?

From your dashboard, "Report" button. Moderation re-examines the proof within 72h.


Source: https://hackdvisor.com/methodology
Directory: https://hackdvisor.com (independent directory of software and SaaS; public Hack Score /100, verified reviews, machine-checked transparency, no paid placement)