Wireless Hotspot liability?

[max347]

I am trying to set up a hotspot here locally but am worried about illegal downloading. I am not particularly worried about people invading the local network, as there is only 1 computer on it, with no critical data.

I really don't know too much about setting something like this up, however I have basic computer knowledge, so if someone could point me in a direction I can doo my own research- I just don't know where to start. An unsecured wireless network would work fine with the exception of people coming in and using limewire- which I would think could get me in much trouble. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Tbirdkid]

just block the port that those programs use. its that simple.

 

[mxnerd]

I believe it's better allowing only http / https traffic, instead of blocking some ports / protocols.

 

[Tbirdkid]

that depends on what you want to happen. my belief is to block the ports. why else would they be used? doesnt make sense. lock it down. keep control of it. that way, no matter what happens, they are stuck.

 

[max347]

Great, thanks for the help guys!

 

[max347]

After doing some research, I think that these are the ports I need to block. If anyone has any they think I need to add, please lmk!

FTP- 20 and 21
Netbios- 137 to 139
SNMP- 161, 162
LDAP- 389
Webcamxp- 8080, 8090
Azureus- 6881 to 6889
DC++- 411, 1025 to 32000
Limewire- 6346 to 6347
Gnutella- 6346


Tunneling apps?

 

[max347]

A quick note to mxnerd- would that not block some email clients?

 

[Tbirdkid]

looks good to me. i wouldnt think tunneling apps would be a big deal.

 

[max347]

Awesome, ill block those off asap.

I really appreciate the help, especially so quickly. Thanks again!

 

[mxnerd]

Originally posted by: max347
A quick note to mxnerd- would that not block some email clients?

That's why I said allowing only http / https traffic is more appropriate. There are thousands of application out there, how do you block them all?

And most ISP won't allow SMTP sending anyway if not their cusomers. So only webmail should be allowed for your hotspot.

I'm not expert on this. Someone with more expertise should be able to answer your question.

But I do believe HotSpot should allow only http and https protocol, nothing else.

 

[JackMDS]

The technical aspects is Not so important as finding the local laws concerning your Liabilities.

The laws and their enforcement varies between geographical locals.


There is a lot of illegal activities that can be executed via http alone.

 

[spidey07]

You own the data that is on your network as much as you own the activity that goes on. What you need is some kind of authorization system where users agree to acceptable use and you also absolve yourself of liability.

If this is just you setting up an AP on your home network and letting it be open, you're still liable.

 

[Jeff7181]

You could also run into some TOS violations with your ISP. Typically residential services are for residents of your home... sharing the service with neighbors may give them grounds to terminate your contract.