Patent ID: 7490352

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for verifying trust of an executable file in an operating system environment, the method comprising: determining that the executable file is being introduced into a path of execution, wherein the path of execution is such that the executable file is not installed or loaded into memory for execution; responsive to said determining, automatically evaluating the executable file with multiple malware checks to determine if the executable file represents a type of malware, wherein the multiple malware checks comprise a virus check, a spy ware check, and a code-integrity check; and if the executable file is determined to represent a type of malware, implementing a protection path, wherein the protection path comprises revoking trustworthiness of the executable file, if the executable file is not determined to represent a type of malware and is from a trusted source, allowing the path of execution, and if the executable file is not determined to represent a type of malware and is not from a trusted source, allowing a system administrator to make the decision whether to allow the path of execution or implement a protection path.