Patent ID: 7912909
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-assisted method for archiving an electronic message sent by a sender to a recipient, the method comprising: prior to sending the electronic message to the recipient: (a) determining, by an encryption management module on a computer system associated with the sender that comprises a processor and a memory device, whether the electronic message includes an attachment in a recognized document format when the sender attempts to send the electronic message; (b) determining, by the encryption management module, whether the electronic message includes an encumbered attachment when the electronic message includes the attachment in a recognized document format, wherein the electronic message has an encumbered attachment when the attachment is password protected by a native application of the attachment; (c) electronically prompting, by the encryption management module on the computer system, the sender for a password for access to the encumbered attachment until a correct password is supplied when it is determined that the electronic message includes a password protected encumbered attachment; (d) disencumbering, by the computer system, using the password entered in response to the electronic prompt, the encumbered attachment of the electronic message to create a disencumbered attachment of the electronic message; (e) storing a copy of the disencumbered attachment of the electronic message in an electronic archival system; and (f) transmitting the electronic message with the encumbered attachment to the recipient when the password provided by the sender is successfully verified as the correct password.