Apparatus and method for an authenticated electronic userid
US6356935B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for an authenticated electronic userid is provided. According to one embodiment, an adapted digital signature is generated for an outbound message from a local user that authorizes a remote user to reply to the message. The adapted digital signature becomes part of an authenticated electronic userid and, when a reply from the remote user is made, the reply message includes the authenticated electronic userid. A one-way hash function is employed to generate the adapted digital signature. According to one embodiment, if an inbound message to a local user from a remote user does not have an authenticated electronic userid, in particular the adapted digital signature, then the inbound message is rejected. An advantage of the method and apparatus described herein is that unsolicited bulk electronic messages and other non-authorized communications to a local user of an electronic message system are reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.