cave updates, Qwest

[scar]

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Hi all.  i just wanted to give some updates regarding my router "cave"
and experiences so far with running a Tor exit on my Qwest home DSL
internet.

Where we last left off, i had gotten permission from a Qwest
representative to continue to run a Tor exit.  They had "noted my
account accordingly".  I continue to use the "reduced exit policy" from
Mike's blog.

Unfortunately, there still exist some problems and hiccups i've been
dealing with.  While the DMCA complaints have so far stopped, my
internet has been disabled three times now due to 'malicious' behavior.

Usually i will wake up in the morning to find my HTTP requests
redirected to an internal Qwest website
(http://consumer.protection.qwest.net/) explaining that their system has
detected malicious behavior from my computer.  The website provides an
automated means to restore my account and internet access.  I chose the
option "malicious software already removed" and proceed with some
verification and then my access is restored.

However, unfortunately, on the second and third occurrences, their
automated means would not allow my account to be restored, instead
saying "you have failed to remove malicious software" or some such
nonsense.  This entails me calling Qwest technical support and waiting
for them to contact some engineer to restore my account, taking about
20-30 minutes.  They also take that opportunity to tell me they had
detected a 'bot network' on my computers and want to make sure my
anti-virus is updated.  Each time i've reassured them that it is a false
alarm and that account should have been 'noted accordingly'  But so far,
it doesn't seem to have stuck.

Once my account has been restored, I proceed to send an e-mail follow-up
to help at qwest.com with my previous ticket reference to when I was given
the go-ahead to run a Tor router.  I've asked for details on what
malicious behavior was detected and how I can block it, assured them
that none of my computers have viruses, and reassured them that I am not
interested in causing trouble for the company nor violating their
policies.  Unfortunately, all of these e-mails have not been responded
to, so i have no way just yet to move forward in order to mitigate these
malicious uses of Tor.

I'm actually getting a bit frustrated with my e-mails to Qwest seeming
to fall on deaf ears, and was thinking of filing a complaint with the
BBB in order to spur a proper reaction....

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