Abstract: A system for validating network communication, such as e-mail. A person sending information to a previously unverified recipient first enters “Address Book” information about the unverified recipient into the sender's e-mail system. Part of this initial information includes the recipient's e-mail address and a way of communicating with the intended recipient other than by using the e-mail address. For example, regular mail, fax, or other means can be specified. When the sender sends the information to the intended recipient, the recipient is not able to receive the information until an identification code is entered by the intended recipient. The identification code is transferred via the different way of communicating that does not use the intended recipient's e-mail address. For example, the code can be sent via fax. The intended recipient then logs on to the e-mail system and enters their user name and the code.