IT work for the private home

[halligat]

Hello

I hope someone can help me with an idea I have.

I am looking at earning some extra money by using my skills and knowledge that I have gained over the years in IT.

I am looking at concentrating my service on the need for better internet security in the private home. (Just so you are aware most routers/modems when shipped out are set-up by default to enable immediate acess to the internet, no security is put in place). My work would consist of changes to the router and the PC to offer better security and ensuring adequate software is in place to prevent virus attack,spyware and other malicious trojans etc.

My main concearn is my liabilty here. Would I be held accountable IF someone was to gain access to the PC/Router and cause damage. Where do I stand? Could someone sue me for damages?

I will look forward to any advise someone can give me.

Thxs

[Jack Hackett]

If your business involves working in other peoples homes you'd be wise to have some sort of public liability insurance. Whether it could be tailored to cover your work against spyware and virus threats I don't know. I would think most insurance companies would shy away from that one.

[www.infoebookstore.co.uk]

how much of a problem is this? I have a secured router, but am interested to know if it really is an issue that affects a lot of people. Anyone been hacked?

[profitxchange]

I would tend to agree - I do not think this idea will fly. The general public will only see it as a problem when it happens to them - prevention in not on their horizon.

You might try and bolt on some related services which raise the perceived risk and benefit to joe citizen which would make you more visable, more in demand AND command a higher fee.

[alans]

Hi there,

Your idea is good but there is no guarantee that your business will boost and you could not get many customers for this business for time being you can start with a good job in IT company then you can start your own business.

[eequals]

Unlike a previous post I think your idea could fly.

Because IT security is perceived as a problem by most businesses there will be a market for what you propose. Any such business can of course run a search, which as we know will throw up a huge numbers of sites offering solutions but with no answers as to whether or not they are competent enough to deliver on their promises.

I suggest that your approach should be local in targeting potential clients and that of good old fashioned hard copy promotion of your abilities and the service you can provide - in other words market yourself as an alternative to the unknown quantities to be found on the web by being somone who can sit down in their office and discuss both their requirements and your service.

As to the dangers of being sued in the event of problems, viruses and spyware are dynamic with new ones appearing almost daily so how can you be held liable? In fact this calls for constant updating so for you it is win - win.

Joe

[simonr]

Even if you are liable, you should have yourself insured! (Of course your preimums will go up if you get sued! )

But, more helpfully perhaps, why not just write a "get out of jail free" clause into your contract/t&c ?

S