A communication network processes intermediate security data from intermediate access nodes on a communication path between a network access node and an end-point device to determine if the intermediate access nodes are authorized. If the intermediate access nodes are authorized, then the network processes end-point security data from the end-point device to determine if the end-point device is authorized. If the end-point device is authorized, then the network processes end-point tethering data from the end-point device to determine if any tethered communication devices are coupled to the end-point device. If the end-point device is not coupled to any tethered communication devices, then the network authorizes a data transfer session for the end-point device over the communication path. If the end-point device is coupled to a tethered communication device, then the network denies authorization for the data transfer session over the communication path for the end-point device.