Mail Distribution List Security Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of communication devices, especially mobile stations, often inadvertently send reply messages to non-secure addresses due to overlooked entries on distribution lists, particularly when using small display screens that do not prominently display all list entries.
Innovation Solution
A system that alerts users to non-secure addresses on distribution lists by analyzing the security level of each entry and generating alerts or requiring user confirmation before sending, using a distribution list correlator and annunciator to highlight or prompt removal of external addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distribution list contains multiple entries including external addresses, then the mail messaging capability is improved, but the risk of inadvertently sending messages to non-secure addresses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of distribution list entries before the user sends a message. The correlator examines each entry to determine if it is an external address, and the annunciator prepares alert information in advance, allowing the user to take corrective action before transmission occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user about the security status of distribution list entries. The annunciator delivers information about external addresses to the user interface, enabling the user to make informed decisions about message transmission and take corrective action if needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the display screen size is reduced in mobile stations, then the portability is improved, but the visibility of distribution list entries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer (the correlator and annunciator) that analyzes distribution list entries and provides targeted information to the user interface. This intermediary enables enhanced visibility of critical security information without requiring a larger display screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual differentiation through color or highlighting changes to draw attention to external addresses in the distribution list. The annunciator causes external addresses to be displayed in a distinctive manner, making them easily distinguishable from internal addresses even on small screens.
3Measurement precision
If the user manually reviews all distribution list entries, then the accuracy of message targeting is improved, but the time required for message sending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correlator performs preliminary analysis of distribution list entries automatically before the user sends a message. This preliminary action identifies external addresses and prepares alert information, eliminating the need for manual review while maintaining accurate message targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing distribution list entries and identifying external addresses. The correlator and annunciator work autonomously to provide security information to the user, eliminating the time-consuming manual review process while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, and an associated method, for alerting a respondent that generates a reply to a received mail message of addressing of the reply message to a non-secure address. A detector detects reception of a received mail message, and a correlator determines whether any of the entries on a distribution list associated with the received mail message is of selected characteristics, i.e., non-secure. If determined to be non-secure, an annunciator generates an annunciation requiring the respondent to elect whether to include the identified address as a recipient of the reply message.