Instant Messaging Robot for Malicious File and URL Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security methods fail to effectively detect and mitigate malicious code and web threats within instant messages, which can lead to file corruption, unauthorized data transmission, and phishing attacks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an instant messaging robot to parse incoming messages for files and URLs, scan files for malicious code, and check URLs against a ratings database, generating responsive messages with scan and rating results to inform users of potential security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing computer security methods are used, then traditional virus detection can be performed, but they fail to detect malicious code and web threats within instant messages
Solution Approach 1:
The security service system performs multiple security functions through a single integrated platform: scanning files for malicious code, checking URLs against phishing databases, and providing security alerts all within one system. This multi-functional approach enables the system to detect various types of threats (viruses, worms, Trojans, phishing sites) that would otherwise require separate security tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The instant messaging robot acts as an intermediary between the user and the security service. It automatically receives instant messages containing files or URLs, processes them through security scanning mechanisms, and returns security assessments to the user. This intermediary layer enables security detection within the instant messaging context without requiring direct user intervention.
2Reliability
If files and URLs are scanned and checked for security threats, then security detection is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security scanning and URL checking as preliminary actions before the user opens or visits the content. By proactively analyzing files and URLs upon receipt through instant messaging, the system identifies threats in advance, preventing potential damage while minimizing the time the user needs to wait for security assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The instant messaging robot provides immediate feedback to users about the security status of received files and URLs. Security assessment results are returned through the same instant messaging channel, allowing users to quickly understand whether they should open or visit the content, thereby reducing the effective processing time despite thorough scanning.
3Reliability
If security scanning and URL checking are performed automatically, then user security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instant messaging robot enables self-service security scanning by automatically processing files and URLs without requiring manual user input. Users simply send instant messages with the content to be scanned, and the system handles the entire security assessment process autonomously, reducing the complexity burden on users while maintaining strong security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a method of providing a computer security service via instant messaging. An instant message is received from an originating user account. The instant message is parsed to identify files and universal resource locators (URLs) in the instant message. If any files are identified, then said identified file(s) are scanned for malicious code to generate scan results. If any URLs are identified, then said identified URL(s) are checked against a ratings database to generate rating results. A responsive instant message to the originating user account is generated, wherein the responsive instant message includes said scan and rating results. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.