Embedding recipient specific comments in electronic messages using encryption

摘要

A message processing system allows a user to create messages for delivery to a number of recipients. In addition, the user can create one or more comments or special instructions in the message that are to be delivered to fewer than all of the recipients of the common message. The comments are encrypted such that they cannot be accessed by all recipients of the message but only selected recipients of the message. The message processing system may decrypt the comments and include them along with the common portion of the message prior to delivery to those recipients that are to receive the comments. Alternatively, a recipient of a common portion of a message selects an icon or other prompt indicating that a comment is attached to the message. The recipient is asked to enter a password or other security code that causes the messaging system to determine whether the recipient is to receive a comment and if so, to decrypt the attached comment.