Instant messaging malware protection
US8689330B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/212
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system including a content server and a plurality of instant messaging clients is configured to enable each client device to scan for malware on incoming or outgoing instant messages. The content server may receive malware configuration information and distribute the malware configuration information to each client device. Each client device may employ the malware configuration information to perform a number of actions, including determining one or more malware scanners to use, selectively scanning incoming or outgoing instant messages, reporting instances of malware that are detected, or selectively restricting one or more instant messaging functions. The system may include a malware information repository that receives and reports of detected malware, analyzes the reports, and determines sources of malware.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.