Abstract: A system for the secure transmission of messages that may be included with existing automated message handling software applications. The secure transmission system includes a user interface tool that appears with the user interface of the conventional automated message handling system. A digital key generator and encryption engine is responsive to the user interface tool. Upon creating an addressed message using the conventional user interface of the automated message handling application, the user can select the user interface tool to activate the digital key generator and encryption engine that in turn generates a secure file containing the message content and address. The system further includes a message generator that generates a message to a secure message-handling server. The secure message includes the secure file and the digital signature of the secure file. The secure email, when received by the secure message-handling server, is prepared for secure delivery to the addressee of the message.

Abstract: A method is provided for secure transmission of a message via a network where a recipient of the message need not be a party to the network or maintain an active address in the network. Instead, new accounts are created dynamically by the system of the invention in response to a message addressed to an unknown user by sender who is a party to the network. In the operation of the method of the invention, messages from a network-party sender addressed to such an unknown user are deposited into a unique account created for the addressed recipient. That addressed recipient is notified via a non-network communication path that a message is stored and available to it at a network address, and is provided instructions for accessing that network address to retrieve its message.