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

[TickledPink]

The best way to protect yourself is to get your hands on some public liability insurance.

If the router fails to prevent a hacker from infiltrating someone's system, the fault will usually lie with the router. As you are providing a service to bump up that security, however, a disgruntled client may well prefer to target you than a large manufacturer ... but that could prove costly for them. They would have to get hold of independent experts to get the necessary evidence to prove that you didn't do the work that was expected of you.

[profitxchange]

yes take out insurance, probably public liability but maybe also prof indemnity.
Go to a good broker (not online)
You should also make sure your T&C's make it clear what obligations - if any you take on providing the service.

What is to stop the client messing up your work or your work being overtaken by new circumstances.

You may find it hard to prove who did what if a legal case came up. You need to make sure you document everything and give the client a copy so they know you know.