Patent ID: 7107618
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for certifying that e-mail sent from a computer is free from viruses identified by an anti-virus database, the method comprising: scanning an e-mail for viruses before the e-mail is sent from the computer; attaching a certificate identifying the e-mail as being scanned for viruses if no viruses are found during scanning; wherein the certificate includes an entity selected from the group consisting of a company logo, an icon, and a water marked seal; and sending the e-mail with the certificate from the computer to a recipient computer; wherein the certificate includes a link to a web site, the web site describing the virus scanning performed on the e-mail by including a type and a version of a virus scanner utilized in scanning the e-mail for viruses, in addition to information on obtaining digital signature verification software utilized in reading a digital signature added to the e-mail if no viruses are found; wherein the computer is a network server; wherein attaching the certificate comprises attaching the certificate at the server; wherein the virus scanner is incorporated within a mail application that is utilized in creating the email; wherein the email received at the recipient computer displays certificate and only displays the digital signature if the digital signature verification software is installed on the recipient computer.