A computer based encryption and decryption system and method provides content analysis through a content inspection mechanism, such as detection of a computer virus using a virus detection algorithm based on determining whether digital input information is encrypted. The content inspection mechanism analyzes decrypted content for such things as virus patterns, keywords, unknown program format, or any other content based criteria. The system generates a decryption request to decrypt encrypted digital input information prior to applying content analysis, such as virus detection. In response to the decryption request, the system decrypts the encrypted information prior to content analysis such as virus detection and applies a content analysis application, such as a virus detection algorithm, to the decrypted data If desired, when the decryption requires access to cryptographic keys which the decryptor does not have immediate access to, keys may be acquired from a controlled key repository through use of key release agent methods.
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