Managing connections, messages, and directory harvest attacks at a server
US7849142B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/212
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for managing connections, email messages, and directory harvest attacks at a server is disclosed. The server maintains a count of a parameter and compares the count to a specified maximum value, such that when the specified maximum value is met or exceeded, an action is taken by the server to limit the connections, email messages, or directory harvest attack. Actions include controlling the number of connections to the server from senders, controlling the flow of email messages injected to the server by senders, and controlling when rejection response messages are sent for invalid recipient email addresses to thwart a directory harvest attack. Senders are identified by one or more sender identifiers, which can be used to group senders together so that the same maximum value is applied collectively to all senders in the group.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.