Managing tethered data traffic over a hotspot network

Presented is a system and method for controlling access to a mobile hotspot on a mobile device utilizing a hotspot management application. The method includes detecting unauthorized data traffic over a tethered link between the mobile device and a tethered device by analyzing a signature of the unauthorized data traffic. Analyzing the signature of the unauthorized data traffic may be carried out utilizing a rules engine, where the rules engine is based on one or more carrier controlled tethering policies and one or more user controlled tethering policies. Detecting unauthorized data traffic may further include detecting an unauthorized tethering application on the mobile device utilizing a database of known unauthorized tethering applications. The method further includes controlling the unauthorized data traffic. The method additionally includes redirecting a user of the mobile device to a captive portal for authorized tethering plan support.