Method of containing spread of computer viruses

• US 20030018903A1
• Filed: 03/19/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Damon G. Della Greca, Louis J. Della Greca
• Original Assignee: Damon G. Della Greca, Louis J. Della Greca
• Inventors: Greca, Louis J. Della, Greca, Damon G. Della
• Application Number:
  US10/103,550
• Publication Number:
  US 20030018903A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/188
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/18 Commands or executable codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/48 Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/145 the attack involving the propagation of malware through the network, e.g. viruses, trojans or worms

Abstract

A method of containing the spread of computer viruses provides a registered computer user with an early warning of a potential virus threat in advance of execution of suspected e-mail attachments. Internet users sign up to become a registered member of a virus warning service administered by a service provider. Each member of such service is instructed to enter one or more unique identifiers, such as, for example, designated addresses in their address book and/or buddy list. Such designated address is advantageously an address of the service provider dedicated to receiving e-mails sent unintentionally by members, such that if an e-mail is sent to the designated address from a registered member of the virus warning system, it can be reasonably assumed, or at least suspected, by the service provider of the virus warning system, that such e-mail has been sent as a result of an infected file. In the event an e-mail is received at one of the dedicated e-mails of the service provider and entered in the address book and/or buddy list of each of the registered members, the registered user from whom the e-mail is received is advantageously contacted, and an inquiry is made as to whether the particular e-mail was intentionally sent to the address. If the user verifies that the e-mail was not intentionally sent, all other registered members are notified of the potential danger of the attachment, and advises that such attachment not be opened.

Claims

1. A method of containing the spread of computer viruses, comprising the steps of:

registering at least two members for participation in a virus warning system;

providing said at least two members with at least one designated e-mail address which is subsequently entered in at least one of an address book and a buddy list of a computer used by each of said at least two members;

monitoring said at least one designated e-mail address for any email sent by a one of said at least two members; and

notifying another of said at least two members of a potential virus threat in response to reception of an e-mail at said at least one designated e-mail sent by said one of said at least two members.

2. A method of containing the spread of computer viruses, comprising the steps of:

registering a member for participation in a virus warning system run by a service provider;

providing said member with at least one unique identifier associated with the service provider which is subsequently entered in a computer used by said member;

monitoring for a communication sent by said member to said service provider; and

notifying said member of a potential virus threat in response to reception of a communication sent by said member to said service provider using said unique identifier.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said unique identifier is dedicated to receiving information exclusive to practice of the method.