Network asset tracker

Abstract

A network attached apparatus, system, method and computer program product for identifying users of networked computers is provided. The apparatus is installed at core network uplink points and analyzes packets as they traverse the network and intelligently correlates the contents of the traffic with user contact and system access information. The resulting information is used to identify the user of the networked computer for security or accounting purposes.

1 . A system for identifying users of a plurality of computers within a communications network, comprising: a database storing directory information for a plurality of users authorized to use the plurality of computers within the communications network; a name discovery apparatus having at least one connection to a primary switch in the communications network for capturing inbound and outbound electronic mail traffic; and a server, connected to said name discovery apparatus and having access to said database via the communications network, said server having a server process capable of joining said inbound and outbound electronic mail traffic captured by said name discovery apparatus and said directory information stored in said database, thereby identifying which of said plurality of users is using which of the plurality of computers.