Abstract: A method is disclosed for establishing trusted communications with associations for communications between users on an Internet Protocol based computer network. The method entails the first user's SNIU determining the Internet Protocol (IP) address of a second user's SNIU on the computer network through the use of custom and ICMP Echo Request and Reply messages. The user's SNIUs exchange security related information needed to complete the establishment of a trusted association. The trusted association is maintained during all communications between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: A multi-level security apparatus and method for a network employs a secure network interface unit (SNIU) coupled between each host or user computer unit and a network, and a security management (SM) architecture, including a security manager (SM) coupled to the network, for controlling the operation and configuration of the SNIUs coupled to the network. Each SNIU is operative at a session level of interconnection which occurs when a user on the network is identified and a communication session is to commence. When an SNIU is implemented at each computer unit on the network, a global security perimeter is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the SNIU is configured to perform a defined session level protocol (SLP), including the core functions of user interface, session manager, dialog manager, association manager and data sealer, and network interface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for establishing trusted communications with associations for communications between users on an Internet Protocol based computer network. The method entails the first user determining the Internet Protocol (IP) address of a second user on the computer network through the use of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP). The first user then determining the accessability of the second user on the computer network. The users exchange security related information needed to complete the establishment of a trusted association. The trusted association is maintained during all communications between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: A multi-level security apparatus and method for a network employs a secure network interface unit (SNIU) coupled between each host or user computer unit and a network, and a security management (SM) architecture, including a security manager (SM) coupled to the network, for controlling the operation and configuration of the SNIUs coupled to the network. Each SNIU is operative at a session level of interconnection which occurs when a user on the network is identified and a communication session is to commence. When an SNIU is implemented at each computer unit on the network, a global security perimeter is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the SNIU is configured to perform a defined session level protocol (SLP), including the core functions of user interface, session manager, dialog manager, association manager and data sealer, and network interface.