Apparatus and methods for intercepting, examining and controlling code, data and files and their transfer in instant messaging and peer-to-peer applications

摘要

The present invention comprises apparatus and methods for processing instant messaging or peer-to-peer code, that is, for intercepting, examining and/or controlling instant messaging and/or peer-to-peer code in a network. A protocol parser is implemented in order to intercept the code as it passes through the channel and transfer the code to a proscribed code scanner. “Man in the middle” technology may be used as well through decryptor/encryptor components placed between client and server which permit examination of the code by a proscribed code scanner as it passes through a communications channel. Embodiments for various platforms, including Unix® and Windows® NT are disclosed.