Interesting thought...
It has other features, like a web portal that allows secure access from outside for file sharing - and since everything is dhcp-based, that needs connections via the lacie.com web. There are also dpnp features that allow it to stream audio to local music players. Why backup should care, dunno.
Along those lines tho I went thru my Norton 360 settings and don't see any restrictions that could be causing my troubles.
Tom