Method and system for filtering communication

Abstract

A e-mail relay provides message filtering services to an e-mail network. The e-mail relay monitors incoming communication and intercepts messages. The e-mail relay extracts signature data from messages that include signature data. The e-mail relay restricts the delivery of message based on the presence and validity of signature data. The e-mail relay optionally classifies a sender in accordance with a level associated with validated signature data.

1 . A method for controlling reception of messages in an e-mail network, each message is associated with a message sender, comprising: 
 providing an e-mail relay, the e-mail relay interposed along a message communication path associated with a public network and an e-mail server of the e-mail network;    the e-mail relay receiving a message intended for a recipient associated with the e-mail network;    the e-mail relay extracting signature data from the message;    the e-mail relay validating the signature data; and    the e-mail relay executing at least one predetermined action in response to determining that the signature data is valid.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the e-mail relay further classifies the signature data.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the e-mail relay validates the signature data by employing a validation authority.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one predetermined action comprises allowing the message to proceed to at least one recipient.