Patent ID: 7917955
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A security method for detecting unwanted data, comprising: performing a scan for unwanted data to generate results of the scan; identifying a context of the scan for the unwanted data utilizing a state machine; and conditionally indicating the presence of the unwanted data based on both the results of the scan and the context of the scan; wherein the context of the scan is identified utilizing a unique context identifier which is separate from the context of the scan and is capable of being used to identify the context of the scan during subsequent scans; wherein the scan involves comparing a plurality of signatures with data; wherein the signatures include heuristic signatures; wherein the context of the scan is utilized permitting a wider range of the heuristic signatures, without increasing instances of false detections; wherein a sample of the unwanted data is sent to a virus signature service provider so that an exact signature can be generated.