Abstract: A system for immunizing a computer network against adverse effects caused by the receipt of a corrupting message. Each message transfers into a protocol-based controlled environment for a specific recipient where message criteria determine whether the incoming message is deemed to be a valid or suspicious message. Transmission criteria determine the final message disposition. If the message is valid, it is delivered to a recipient computer system in the network. If the incoming message is suspicious, the message is isolated in the controlled environment where the transmission criteria may provide remote access to the recipient.

Abstract: A system for immunizing a computer network against adverse effects caused by the receipt of a corrupting message, such as a message with a file infected with a virus. An incoming message deemed to be a valid message is delivered to a recipient computer system in the network. If the incoming message is not deemed a valid message, it transfers to a blocked message store. A blocked message handler controlled by forwarding rules may delete the message, designate the message for deletion, transfer the message to the recipient computer system or allow the recipient access to the message on a restricted basis. Such access may be limited to copying the message to a sacrificial machine and viewing the message remotely. Alternatively, access could allow message manipulation in the sacrificial machine and generation of a derivative of the message for transfer to the recipient computer system.