Abstract:
A system, method, and computer program product are included for providing a rating of an electronic message to a recipient. In use, an electronic message intended for a recipient is rated. Additionally, the rating and die electronic message are provided to the recipient.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to processing electronic messages, and more particularly to rating electronic messages. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The communication of electronic messages has become commonplace. In addition, security systems have traditionally been utilized for preventing, blocking, etc. unwanted electronic messages (e.g. malicious, unsolicited, etc.). However, traditional security systems have customarily exhibited various limitations, particularly with respect to providing an electronic message recipient information about the electronic message. 
         [0003]    For example, recipients of unwanted electronic messages have generally been uninformed of the nature of such electronic messages. Thus, a recipient may not be aware that opening an electronic message may result in one or more undesired situations. In another example, a recipient may be unable to verify the authenticity and/or validity of a received electronic message. As a result, the recipient may be exposed to unfortunate consequences associated with opening the unwanted electronic message. 
         [0004]    There is thus a need for addressing these and/or other issues associated with the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A system, method, and computer program product are included for providing a rating of an electronic message to a recipient. In use, an electronic message intended for a recipient is rated. Additionally, the rating and the electronic message are provided to the recipient. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a network architecture, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a representative hardware environment that may be associated with the servers and/or clients of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a method for providing a rating of an electronic message and the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates a system for providing a rating of an electronic message and the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a method for delivering an electronic message and conditionally a rating of the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with still yet another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a network architecture  100 , in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, a plurality of networks  102  is provided. In the context of the present network architecture  100 , the networks  102  may each take any form including, but not limited to a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, peer-to-peer network, etc. 
         [0012]    Coupled to the networks  102  are servers  104  which are capable of communicating over the networks  102 . Also coupled to the networks  102  and the servers  104  is a plurality of clients  106 . Such servers  104  and/or clients  106  may each include a desktop computer, lap-top computer, hand-held computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), peripheral (e.g. printer, etc.), any component of a computer, and/or any other type of logic. In order to facilitate communication among the networks  102 , at least one gateway  108  is optionally coupled therebetween. 
         [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a representative hardware environment that may be associated with the servers  104  and/or clients  106  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. Such figure illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a workstation in accordance with one embodiment having a central processing unit  210 , such as a microprocessor, and a number of other units interconnected via a system bus  212 . 
         [0014]    The workstation shown in  FIG. 2  includes a Random Access Memory (RAM)  214 , Read Only Memory (ROM)  216 , an I/O adapter  218  for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units  220  to the bus  212 , a user interface adapter  222  for connecting a keyboard  224 , a mouse  226 , a speaker  228 , a microphone  232 , and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen (not shown) to the bus  212 , communication adapter  234  for connecting the workstation to a communication network  235  (e.g., a data processing network) and a display adapter  236  for connecting the bus  212  to a display device  238 . 
         [0015]    The workstation may have resident thereon any desired operating system. It will be appreciated that an embodiment may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. One embodiment may be written using JAVA, C, and/or C++ language, or other programming languages, along with an object oriented programming methodology. Object oriented programming (OOP) has become increasingly used to develop complex applications. 
         [0016]    Of course, the various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented utilizing hardware, software, or any desired combination thereof. For that matter, any type of logic may be utilized which is capable of implementing the various functionality set forth herein. 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a method  300  for providing a rating of an electronic message and the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the method  300  may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment of  FIGS. 1  and/or  2 . Of course, however, the method  300  may be carried out in any desired environment. 
         [0018]    As shown in operation  302 , an electronic message intended for a recipient is rated. In various embodiments, the electronic message may include an electronic mail message, text message, short message service (SMS) message, etc. Of course, however, the electronic message may include any other message capable of being communicated electronically. 
         [0019]    Additionally, the recipient for which the electronic message is intended may be any device capable of receiving the electronic message, such as any of the devices described above with respect to  FIGS. 1  and/or  2 . In one embodiment, the recipient may include an electronic mail message client. In another embodiment, the recipient may include a web based client. For example, the recipient may include a web based electronic mad message client. Optionally, the recipient may have an electronic message application (e.g. electronic mail message application, etc.) installed thereon for receiving electronic messages, and optionally sending electronic message. 
         [0020]    Moreover, the electronic message may be rated in any desired manner. In one embodiment, one or more portions of the electronic message (e.g. a body, attachment, header, subject, etc. of the electronic message) may be processed. For example, the processing may include performing a scan, behavioral analysis, etc. of any of such portions of the electronic message for identifying predetermined data (e.g. known unwanted data, known unsolicited data, keywords, etc.). 
         [0021]    As another option, the portions of the electronic message may be processed in a virtual environment (e.g. utilizing a virtual machine). Just by way of example, an attachment of the electronic message may be opened within the virtual environment. In this way, results of opening the electronic message or any portion of such electronic message (e.g. unwanted results, etc.) may be identified within the virtual environment, such that the results may be analyzed (e.g. via a behavioral analysis, via a comparison with a fingerprint of known unwanted data, etc.). 
         [0022]    Thus, as an option, the electronic message may be rated based on processing of such electronic mail message. Just by way of example, if the processing indicates that results of opening the electronic message are unwanted (e.g. via the behavior analysis etc.), the electronic message may be rated with a rating that indicates such unwanted results. As another example, if the processing indicates that a portion of the electronic message includes predetermined data, the rating of the electronic message may indicate that the electronic message includes such predetermined data. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, a fingerprint for one or more portions of the electronic message may be determined. In yet another embodiment, the fingerprint may be compared with a plurality of predetermined fingerprints (e.g. fingerprints of known unwanted data, fingerprints of known unsolicited data, etc.) stored in a database. In still another embodiment, the electronic message may be rated only if a match is found between the fingerprint and at any of the predetermined fingerprints stored in the database. 
         [0024]    As an option, the rating may reflect the matched predetermined fingerprint. For example, each predetermined fingerprint stored in the database may be associated with a particular rating. To this end, the electronic message may optionally be rated with the particular rating associated with a predetermined fingerprint that matches the fingerprint of the electronic message. 
         [0025]    Still yet, the rating may reflect the content of the electronic message. For example, the rating may indicate whether the electronic message includes unwanted data (e.g. virus, Trojan, phishing, worm etc.), unsolicited data, unknown data, etc. Such indication may be provided via a numerical scale, as an option. Just by way of example, the rating may include a number within the numerical scale for indicating a probability of whether the electronic message includes unwanted data, a risk (e.g. of unwanted activity, etc.) associated with content of the electronic message, etc. 
         [0026]    Additionally, the rating may be based on various categories. Just by way of example, the rating may include a categorization of the electronic message. As another example, the rating may include a categorization (e.g. severity) of a risk associated with the electronic message (e.g. a risk of unwanted results associated with opening the electronic message, etc.), such as critical, warning, information, unknown, etc. 
         [0027]    Further, in operation  304 , the rating and the electronic message are provided to the recipient. The electronic message may be provided to the recipient in any manner. For example, the electronic message may be transmitted to the recipient (e.g. over a network, etc.). In another embodiment, the electronic message may be provided to the recipient via an electronic message application installed on the recipient, such that the recipient may access (e.g. open, etc.), the electronic message. 
         [0028]    In addition, the rating may also be provided to the recipient in any desired manner. For example, the rating may be transmitted with the electronic message to the recipient. Of course, however, the rating may also be transmitted to the recipient separately from the electronic message. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, providing the rating to the recipient may include displaying an image indicating the rating in association with the electronic message on a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, the rating may include an icon displayed adjacent to the subject of the electronic message, a link to the electronic message, etc. Optionally, the rating and electronic message may be provided to the recipient utilizing the electronic message application installed on the recipient. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, providing the rating to the recipient may include displaying the rating in a window when a cursor is placed (e.g. by a user) over the link to the electronic message. In still another embodiment, the rating may be provided when the electronic message is selected and prior to opening the electronic message. For example, providing the rating to the recipient may include displaying another electronic message containing the rating in a window when the electronic message is selected. It should be noted that the window in which the rating is displayed may optionally be separate from a window in which a selectable link to the electronic message is displayed, for example. 
         [0031]    In this way, a user of the recipient may determine whether to access the electronic message based on the rating. For example, providing a rating which indicates that the electronic message includes unwanted data, unsolicited data, unknown data, etc. to the recipient may allow the user of the recipient to be informed of the nature of the electronic message. Thus, the user may accordingly avoid opening the electronic message, delete the electronic message, initiate an application for cleaning the electronic message, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, providing a rating which indicates that the electronic message includes only informative data, non-malicious data, etc. may inform the user that the electronic message may be opened without risk of an unwanted result. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  for providing a rating of an electronic message and the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with still yet another embodiment. As an option, the system  400  may be implemented in the context of the architecture and environment of  FIGS. 1-3 . Of course, however, the system  400  may be implemented in any desired environment. Yet again, it should be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description. 
         [0033]    As shown, a source device  402  is in communication with a security system  404  (e.g. via a network, etc.). In the context of the present embodiment, the source device  402  may include any source of an electronic message. As an option, the source device  402  may include any of the servers  104  and/or clients  106  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the source device  402  may create the electronic message. For example, the source device  402  may include an application for creating electronic messages (e.g. such as an electronic mail message application, etc.). Further, the created electronic message may be sent from the source device  402  (e.g. over the network, etc.). In another embodiment, the source device  402  may receive the electronic message (e.g. from another device, etc.) and forward the electronic message (e.g. over the network etc.). 
         [0035]    In yet another embodiment, a security system  404  may intercept the electronic message during communication of the electronic message from the source device  402 . Just by way of example, the electronic message may be destined for a recipient device  406 . Of course, however, the source device  402  may send the electronic message to the security system  404  in any manner. Thus, the security system  404  may receive the electronic message from the source device  402 . In the context of the present embodiment, the security system  404  may include any device (e.g. such as any of servers  104  and/or clients  106  illustrated in  FIG. 1 .) capable of receiving electronic messages. For example, the security system  404  may include a network gateway, an electronic mail message server, etc. 
         [0036]    As shown, the security system  404  includes a virtual machine  408 . The virtual machine  408  may include any virtual implementation of a machine on which data may be stored and/or run. In one embodiment, the virtual machine  408  may be located in a secure portion of the security system  404 . Of course, while the virtual machine  408  is shown as a component of the security system  404 , the virtual machine  408  may also be located on a centralized device (not shown) in communication with the security system  404  (e.g. via a network, etc.). 
         [0037]    Further, the security system  404  includes a rating module  410 . The rating module  410  may include any module capable of rating the electronic message. Further still, the security system  404  includes a database  412 . In one embodiment, the database  412  may be integrated with the security system  404 . In still another embodiment, the database  412  may be located on a centralized device and may be in communication with the security system  404  (e.g. via a network, etc.). 
         [0038]    In another embodiment, the database  412  may include one or more fingerprints (e.g. of known unwanted data, known unsolicited data, known wanted data, etc.). In another embodiment, the database  412  may include one or more uniform resource locators (URLs) of known phishing sites. In still another embodiment, the database  412  may include one or more known harmful macro-instructions. Of course, however, the database  412  may include any predetermined data capable of being used in the rating of the electronic message. 
         [0039]    In response to the receipt of the electronic message, the security system  404  may rate the electronic message. As an option, the security system  404  may compare data identified from within the electronic message with the data stored in the database  412 . In one embodiment, if a match is found between at least a portion of the electronic message and predetermined data stored in the database  412 , the electronic message may be rated according to a rating assigned to such predetermined data. 
         [0040]    For example, a fingerprint may be generated for one or more portions of the electronic message and may be compared against one or more predetermined fingerprints stored in the database  412 . Additionally, the results of the comparison against the database  412  may be used by the rating module  410  to rate the electronic message. Optionally, the rating module  410  may apply a rating to the electronic message based on a rating associated with the matching predetermined fingerprint. 
         [0041]    In another example, the electronic message may be processed and any attachments, hyperlinks, macro-programs, or other portions of the electronic message may be run in the virtual machine  408  to generate one or more results. Additionally, the results may be compared against the database  412 . 
         [0042]    In yet another embodiment, a fingerprint may be generated for the results and may be compared against one or more fingerprints in the database  412 . Additionally, a result of the comparison may be used by the rating module  410  to rate the electronic message. 
         [0043]    In still yet another embodiment, the security system  404  may include an application that runs in the background of a system. For example, the security system  404  may continuously identify received electronic messages (e.g. stored in a queue of the security system  404 , etc.) and may rate such electronic messages. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the rating module  410  may rate the electronic message based on a strength of (e.g. an amount of similarity with) one or more matching predetermined fingerprints in the database  412 . In yet another embodiment, the rating module  410  may rate the electronic message based on a number of matching predetermined fingerprints in the database  412 . In still another embodiment, the rating module  410  may rate the electronic message based on whether a match is found in the database  412 . Of course, however, the rating module  410  may rate the electronic message in any manner. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the rating module  410  may assign the rating to the electronic message. In one example, the rating module  410  may insert the rating in a header of the electronic message. In yet another example, the rating module  410  may insert the rating in a subject field of the electronic message. In still another example, the rating module  410  may attach the rating to the electronic message (e.g. as a data structure, etc.). 
         [0046]    In addition, the security system  404  is in communication with the recipient device  406  (e.g. via a network, etc.). In one embodiment, the recipient device  406  may receive the electronic message from the security system  404 . For example, the electronic message may be received by the security system  404  from the source device  402 , and may be forwarded from the security system  404  to the recipient device  406 . 
         [0047]    To this end, the security system  404  may provide the electronic message and the rating of the electronic message to the recipient device  406 . The recipient device  406  may include any of the servers  104  and/or clients  106  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the recipient device  406  may include an electronic message application capable of receiving the rating and the electronic message and presenting such rating and electronic message to a user of the recipient device  406 . Thus, a user of the recipient device  406  may be informed of the rating and determine whether to access the electronic message based on the rating. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  shows a method  500  for delivering an electronic message and conditionally a rating of the electronic message to a recipient, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option, the method  500  may be carried out in the context of the architecture and environment of  FIGS. 1-4 . Of course, however, the method  500  may be carried out in any desired environment. It should also be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description. 
         [0049]    As shown in operation  502 , an electronic message is received. In one embodiment, the electronic message may be received from a source of the electronic message. Optionally, such source may include a device (e.g. such as any of the devices described above with respect to  FIGS. 1  and/or  2 ) that initiated communication of the electronic message. Just by way of example, the electronic message may be received from the source device  402  of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0050]    Additionally, the electronic message may be received by a security system (e.g. the security system  404  of  FIG. 4 ). For example, the electronic message may be intercepted by the security system. Just by way of example, the security system may intercept the electronic message during communication of the electronic message from the source. In one embodiment, the security system may be located on a network over which the electronic message is communicated. Of course, however, the electronic message may be received in any manner. 
         [0051]    Further, in operation  504 , the electronic message is processed. In one embodiment, one or more portions of the electronic message may be processed. For example, any attachments of the electronic message may be opened and scanned. In another example, a message body of the electronic message may be scanned for one or more keywords. In still another example, one or more hyperlinks in the electronic message may be selected such that content associated with such hyperlinks may be analyzed. 
         [0052]    Additionally, in another example, one or more macro-instructions in the electronic message may be run. In yet another example, a subject of the electronic message may be examined. In still another example, a header of the electronic message may be examined. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, the electronic message may be processed in a virtual machine. For example, the hyperlinks in the electronic message may be selected within the virtual machine. In another example, if it is determined that the electronic message contains one or more attachments, the attachments may be opened within the virtual machine. 
         [0054]    In yet another embodiment, a fingerprint may be generated for one or more portions of the electronic message. For example, one or more portions of the message body of the electronic message may be fingerprinted. In another example, the header of the electronic message may be fingerprinted. In still another embodiment, the results of the processing of one or more portions of the electronic message may be fingerprinted. For example, the output of the execution of the attachments of the electronic message may be fingerprinted. 
         [0055]    Further still, in operation  506 , the results of the processing are compared with predetermined data stored in a database. In one embodiment, the database may include one or more known fingerprints of unwanted electronic messages. For example, the database may include fingerprints of known viruses, harmful macro-instructions, links to malicious and/or phishing sites, etc. 
         [0056]    In addition, in decision  508 , it is determined whether the processed electronic message matches any predetermined data stored in the database. In response to a determination in decision  508  that no matches are found in the database, the electronic message is delivered to the intended recipient of the electronic message. See operation  514 . Thus, in one embodiment, the electronic message may be delivered to an electronic mail message client. Optionally, the intended recipient may include the recipient device  406  of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0057]    Furthermore, in response to a determination in decision  508  that one or more matches are found in the database, in operation  510  a rating is assigned to the electronic message. In one embodiment, the rating assigned to the electronic message may be based on the results of the matching. For example, the rating assigned to the electronic message may be based on the amount of data in the electronic message that matches data stored in the database. For example, a greater amount of data in the electronic message for which a match has been identified may result in the electronic message being rated as a more severe risk than if a lesser amount of data in the electronic message matches predetermined data stored in the database. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the rating of the electronic message may be based on the severity of a risk posed by any matches between one or more portions of the electronic message and predetermined data stored in the database. For example, an electronic message containing an attachment that matches a virus fingerprint in the database may be ranked higher than another electronic message which contains a link that matches a phishing link in the database. 
         [0059]    In still another embodiment, the rating may be within a predetermined scale. For example, the rating of the electronic message may be identified within a numerical scale. In another embodiment, the rating of the electronic message may be identified within an alphabetical scale. Of course, however, the rating of the electronic message may be performed on any scale capable of conveying a ranking. 
         [0060]    In yet another embodiment, the rating of the electronic message may include a categorization. For example, the electronic message rating may include a “critical” categorization if the message contains one or more known viruses, hyperlinks to phishing sites, or any other data that is known to cause harm to the recipient. 
         [0061]    In another example, the electronic message rating may include a “warning” categorization if the message contains abnormal or suspicions data that may potentially harm the recipient (e.g. based on a behavioral analysis), but does not contain data matching data stored in the database that is known to be harmful. 
         [0062]    In yet another example, the electronic message rating may include an “unknown” categorization if the electronic message lacks sufficient data to be categorized with any other categorization, but another analysis (e.g. a heuristic analysis, etc.) results in an indication of behavior that may possibly be harmful to the recipient. 
         [0063]    In still another example, the electronic message rating may include an “information” categorization if the electronic message contains known valuable information (e.g. confidential information, etc.). Of course, however, the rating of the electronic message may be categorized in any manner. 
         [0064]    Further still, in operation  512 , the electronic message and the rating are delivered to the recipient. In one embodiment, one or more additional electronic messages (e.g. pop-up message, etc.) may be provided to the recipient based on the rating and/or categorization. For example, if the recipient selects an electronic message with an “information” categorization, an electronic message may appear to the recipient which includes the rating in addition to describing the information (e.g. confidential information, etc.) contained within the electronic message. 
         [0065]    In another example, a message containing a warning may appear to the recipient in a window if the recipient selects an electronic message with a “warning” categorization and prior to opening of the electronic message. In this way, the recipient may be informed as to the nature of the electronic message and may decide whether to access the electronic message based on the rating. 
         [0066]    In another embodiment, an automatic response may be initiated if the electronic message is assigned a predetermined rating. For example, if the electronic message rating includes a “critical” categorization, an additional warning may be given to the recipient before the electronic message can be accessed. In another example, if an electronic message rating includes a “critical” categorization, the electronic message may be automatically deleted, and an Internet service provider (ISP) of a sender of the electronic message may be contacted. 
         [0067]    In still another embodiment, at least part of the electronic message may be sent to the database, based on the rating assigned to the electronic message. For example, the content of the electronic message may be sent to the database if the rating of the electronic message is categorized as “critical.” In another embodiment, at least part of the electronic message may be fingerprinted before being stored in the database. 
         [0068]    While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.