Abstract: A network-based line-rate method and apparatus for detecting and managing potential malware utilizing a black list of possible malware to scan content and detect potential malware content based upon characteristics that match the preliminary signature. The undetected content is then subjected to an inference-based processes and methods to determine whether the undetected content is safe for release. Typical to inference-based processes and method, the verdict is a numerical value within a predetermined range, out of which content is not safe. The network content released if the verdict is within safe range, otherwise, the apparatus provides various options of handling such presumably unsafe content; options including, soliciting user input whether to release, block, or subject the content to further offline behavioral analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to network based content inspection (NBCI). More specifically, the invention provides systems and methods for improved NBCI in complex networks that are typical for enterprises and service providers. These networks are shared by large numbers of concurrent users who send and retrieve application content of various sizes via a variety of communication protocols. This invention improves the efficiency of the NBCI of an individual communication session by learning from the processing results of other communication sessions which may be carried via different network protocols. In addition, the invention provides methods that do not weaken the overall security for the network and that improve the stability of NBCI systems by minimizing the risk of system resource exhaustion if subjected to a burst of large payloads. The invention also improves perceived network stability by preventing the system resources from being “live-locked” by a few large content inspection tasks.