Patent attributes
A spim detection manager automatically detects and blocks spim. The spim detection manager detects a first incoming instant message from an unrecognized source, and sends a response to that source. The spim detection manager receives a second incoming instant message from the unrecognized source in reply to the sent response. The spim detection manager examines the second incoming instant message, and determines whether the incoming instant messages comprise spim based on its content. In some embodiments, the spim detection manager concludes that at least one of the incoming instant messages was generated by an automated process, and that therefore the incoming messages comprise spim. Where the spim detection manager determines that an incoming instant message comprises spim, it blocks that incoming message. Where the spim detection manager determines that an incoming instant message is legitimate, it forwards that message to the target user.
