Communications security systems

Abstract

A method of establishing secure communications between a first computer, eg a client computer, and a second computer, eg a web server, whereby the client computer receives one or more security policies relating to the web server. A client application examines the client computer and preferably configures one or more aspects of the client computer in order to make it comply with the security policies. Once the web server receives the results of this examination and/or configuration process, it can determine whether the secure communications are to be established and whether any restrictions need to be placed on this communication and/or the activity conducted via the communication.

1 . A method of establishing secure communications between a first computer and a second computer, comprising:
 communicating to the first computer at least one security policy relating to the second computer;   initiating an examination process on the first computer in order to evaluate whether the first computer complies with the security policy;   the first computer communicating the results of the examination process to the second computer; and   the second computer determining at least one aspect of the secure communications between the first computer and the second computer;   
       wherein the determination of at least one aspect of the secure communications between the first computer and second computer is based at least in part on the results of the examination process. 
     
     
         2 .- 35 . (canceled)