Abstract: A method of enabling a user of a computer device to back-up an encryption key generated on the device, where the key is used to encrypt stored data, and the key is itself encrypted using a user password for storage on the device. The method comprises rendering the key into a form comprising a reduced length sequence of characters and displaying the reduced length sequence on a display of the device. The user is then able to write down the rendered key. The reduced length sequence may also be sent to a service provider in an SMS message, e-mail, or by voice dictation. In the event that the user password is lost, such that the encrypted key stored on the device cannot be unencrypted, encrypted data may still be accessed by the user entering the rendered key into the device.

Abstract: A method of generating or entering a password or passphrase on a computer system 1. The method comprises storing a plurality of sets of values in a memory 5 of the system 1, the values of each set defining respective elements which belong to a common domain, the domains of respective sets being distinct from one another, selecting at least one value from each stored set or from each of a plurality of the stored sets, and combining the selected values or elements thereof to form a password or passphrase.

Abstract: A method of managing a virus signature database associated with an anti-virus application, both of which are resident in a memory of a mobile wireless device 2,4. Management messages containing for example new virus signatures are sent from the network 1 to the device 2,4. In accordance with instructions contained in the management messages, individual signature entries of the virus signature database are deleted or replaced, and new signatures added.

Abstract: A method of securing data stored on an electronic device 1, the method comprising encrypting the data using a cryptographic key derivable from or accessed using a passphrase, requiring the entry into the device of the passphrase when a user wishes to access the data, subsequently inhibiting access to the data whilst the device 1 remains active, and requiring the entry into the device of a predefined password when a user wishes to access the data, the password being different from the passphrase.

Abstract: A method of generating or entering a password or passphrase on a computer system 1. The method comprises storing a plurality of sets of values in a memory 5 of the system 1, the values of each set defining respective elements which belong to a common domain, the domains of respective sets being distinct from one another, selecting at least one value from each stored set or from each of a plurality of the stored sets, and combining the selected values or elements thereof to form a password or passphrase.

Abstract: A method of managing a virus signature database associated with an anti-virus application, both of which are resident in a memory of a mobile wireless device 2,4. Management messages containing for example new virus signatures are sent from the network 1 to the device 2,4. In accordance with instructions contained in the management messages, individual signature entries of the virus signature database are deleted or replaced, and new signatures added.

Abstract: A method of detecting viruses in a computer network 1 comprising intercepting data at at least one data transit node 4 of the network 1. The transit node 4 identifies which of the data is of a type capable of containing a virus and transfers the identified data to a virus scanning server 7 over the network 1. The identified data is received at the virus scanning server 7 which scans the data to identify viruses present therein. The server 7 subsequently acts in dependence upon the outcome of the virus scan.

Abstract: A method of screening a software file for viral infection comprising defining a first database of known macro virus signatures, a second database of known and certified commercial macro signatures, and a third database of known and certified local macro signatures. The file is scanned to determine whether or not the file contains a macro. If the file contains a macro, a signature for the macro is determined and screened against the signatures contained in said databases. A user is alerted in the event that the macro has a signature corresponding to a signature contained in said first database and/or in the event that the macro has a signature which does not correspond to a signature contained in either of the second and third databases.

Abstract: A method of securing data stored on an electronic device 1, the method comprising encrypting the data using a cryptographic key derivable from or accessed using a passphrase, requiring the entry into the device of the passphrase when a user wishes to access the data, subsequently inhibiting access to the data whilst the device 1 remains active, and requiring the entry into the device of a predefined password when a user wishes to access the data, the password being different from the passphrase.