Abstract: An Instant Messaging security system that encrypts Instant Messages sent by a Instant Messaging user to an Instant Messaging server by intercepting the messages, negotiating a preferred security algorithm and forwarding the encrypted messages to the server. The security system intercepts and decrypts encrypted messages sent by the server to the user. The security system is able to determine whether a receiving user is equipped with a similar security system without prior knowledge of network addresses, configuration or capability. The security system is transparent to the Instant Message service provider and may provide one or more indicators to users that messages are encrypted during forwarding.

Abstract: An Instant Messaging security system that encrypts Instant Messages sent by a Instant Messaging user to an Instant Messaging server by intercepting the messages, negotiating a preferred security algorithm and forwarding the encrypted messages to the server. The security system intercepts and decrypts encrypted messages sent by the server to the user. The security system is able to determine whether a receiving user is equipped with a similar security system without prior knowledge of network addresses, configuration or capability. The security system is transparent to the Instant Message service provider and may provide one or more indicators to users that messages are encrypted during forwarding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for confirming trade transactions via the Internet and/or private network to e-mail addresses. An encrypted electronic envelope and a trade confirmation document contained therein are transmitted to a customer. The customer provides a personal password to decrypt the electronic envelope to open the envelope and view the trade confirmation document. The method of transmitting the electronic envelope and the trade confirmation document provides the customer a secure and convenient manner to receive the trade confirmation. Further, after the customer has opened and closed the electronic envelope, a return receipt is transmitted back to the trade confirmation system to provide immediate notice to the system that the electronic envelope was opened and closed. The present invention also includes an exception handler subsystem for handling errors associated with the trade confirmation system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of processing an e-mail message that includes a representation of an envelope. The electronic envelope includes a time stamp, sender identity identification and/or other objects that are displayed on a computer screen of the user. Upon initiation of a user action when a cursor is positioned at a screen location corresponding to the time stamp or sender identity identification, this action causes the computer to connect to a location associated with the time stamp or the sender identity identification.

Abstract: An E-mail message enhancement apparatus is preferably implemented through a sequence of program instructions. On the sender side, creation software implements a data format that allows for differing types of content, such as visual images, audio, multimedia, and functional attributes such as links to a sender's home page on the world wide web. Furthermore, in addition to such content in the E-mail message, there is included header information, including the E-mail address of the sender, and recipient executable embedded software that ensures the recipient will be able to view contents and perform the functional attributes that make up the E-mail message.