wanting to start computer network consulting biz, need advice.

[tbytnar]

What is the name of your state? Missouri.

Hi and thanks for taking the time to read this, and possibly answer back with much needed information. I am currently in the idea phase of starting a computer network consulting buisness.

I would be the only employee.

I am looking to focus mainly on residential accounts to start as I am doing this as a side project.

Here is the catch that I am most worried about. I am going to be what is known as Wireless scouting, or Wardriving to some. This is the practice of driving around neighborhoods with basically a laptop, and scanning for wireless network access points that are insecure. Whenever I pinpoint a wireless access point in a home that is insecure, I am wanting to leave a letter of warning about the insecurity, which will also direct them to a website that has more information on the subject and even tips on securing the network themselves. Also on this website is my information, that they can contact me to secure their network for them. Of course for my services I would charge a fee which at this time is undecided.

There will be many other services that I will be offering, none of which concern me on the legalities like the one mentioned above.

Can anyone tell me what is wrong with my proposed process, and possibly point me in the right direction?

 

[tbytnar]

Does anyone have any insight on this at all? Is this in any connection to solicitation laws? Should I worry about any kind of ramifications from this business practice at all?

 

[Facekhan]

I actually do this sort of thing as well and I started an LLC in Maryland to protect myself as I got busier and my client base shifted to people I did not know personally.

Forming an LLC cost me like 140 bucks and I think there is an annual fee, which in my case is coming up and I am kind of pissed cause I think its like 300 bucks.

It was seriously easy and you don't need a lawyer to do it for you. The hardest thing is coming up with a name for the company. Definitely give it to them in person if you can, the mail method is really slow. I also went to the IRS website and got an EIN number so I could get a bank account although I have not done that yet because I am cheap.

IANAL but I follow technology issues closely and I am pretty sure its technically illegal to access someone elses network without permission even if it's wide open. I don't think just scanning for open nodes is illegal. Unless you live in a place where houses are spread out you are gonna have a hard time figuring out who owns each open node.

You are better off just getting some flyers printed and flyer everyone and mention wireless security in there somewhere.

Your Fellow Tech Mercenary

And yeah wardriving is fun.

 

[tbytnar]

Thank you very much for your informative reply. And actually Ive got a fairly simple method of locating the access points.. except in apartment complex's (Which Im thinking of a way to do that was well) Whats your email or do you have an instant messenger service where we could discuss this a lil more?