Managing tethered data traffic over a hotspot network

A mobile device for controlling access to a mobile hotspot utilizing a hotspot management application, said mobile device comprising:

• a memory storing an authorized signature;
• a hardware processor configured to:
• detect an unauthorized data traffic over a tethered link between said mobile device and a tethered device by obtaining a signature of said unauthorized data traffic and determining that said signature does not match said authorized signature stored in said memory of said mobile device, wherein said obtaining said signature of said unauthorized data traffic is carried out utilizing a rules engine, and wherein said rules engine is based on one or more carrier controlled tethering policies and one or more user controlled tethering policies;
• determine, using said signature of said unauthorized data traffic, an identity of an unauthorized application or device generating said unauthorized data traffic, wherein determining said identity of said unauthorized application or device includes looking up said signature of said unauthorized data traffic in a database;
• and
• redirect, in response to detecting, a user of said mobile device to a captive portal for carrier-authorized tethering data plan support.