METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMPUTER SECURITY SERVICE VIA INSTANT MESSAGING

One embodiment relates to a method of providing a computer security service via instant messaging. An instant message is received from an originating user account. The instant message is parsed to identify files and universal resource locators (URLs) in the instant message. If any files are identified, then said identified file(s) are scanned for malicious code to generate scan results. If any URLs are identified, then said identified URL(s) are checked against a ratings database to generate rating results. A responsive instant message to the originating user account is generated, wherein the responsive instant message includes said scan and rating results. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.