System and method for secure networking in a virtual space

Abstract

Secure networking in a virtual space over a network. Subscriber computing devices each operated by a subscriber are associated with a subscriber identifier. Each computing device is connected to the network. A subscriber security profile is created in a security profile datastore, wherein the subscriber security profile comprises information indicative of a security status and wherein the subscriber security profile is associated with the subscriber's subscriber identifier. Subscriber identifiers associated with subscribers who are logged in to a website are monitored. The website defines a virtual space and the logged-in subscribers are characterized as present in the virtual space. A web page is served to the computing devices of the present subscribers via the network. The web page of a first subscriber comprises a first subscriber icon associated with the first subscriber and subscriber icons of other present subscribers. A determination is made whether the first subscriber security profile matches the subscriber security profile of one or more of the other present subscribers according to security matching criteria. An attribute is assigned to the icons of the other present subscribers having security profiles that match the security profile of the first subscriber according to security matching criteria. Selected security profile information is provided to the first subscriber of a selected one of any of the other present matching subscribers.