Data sources are currently scanned for a variety of purposes. For example, files can be scanned for viruses at predetermined locations. One example is the McAfee Vitran™ solution which combines heuristics and virus detection at predetermined locations and provides for isolation of suspect files. However, this solution is limited to virus scanning only.
In other solutions, specific data streams can be scanned for inappropriate content. For example, Microsoft's Internet Explorer™ provides for a Content Advisor that filters content based on user pre-selected criteria and rating placed on a web site. The Content Advisor in this case can filter content that creates fear, depicts drug or alcohol use, shows sexuality or nudity, among others. The filtering can be complete or limited based on the context of the web site. Other content scanning solutions include Net Nanny™ or Surfwatch™.
These solutions are, however, limited to one type of scanning and typically are performed on a specific data stream or file.