Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Tue, October 27, 2009 New Protection Model Codenamed "Quorum" Proven in the Field, Now Available in Norton 360 Version 4.0 Beta
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - October 27, 2009) - After bringing to market a unique approach to the fight against cybercrime with the award-winning Norton Internet Security 2010 and Norton AntiVirus 2010, today Symantec Corp. (
"Basic security is not enough for today's complex threat landscape," said Charles Kolodgy, research director of Security Products at IDC. "Consumers are facing an environment of online threats that are fast increasing in number and evolving in scope to put their identities and finances at risk. To maintain their confidence regarding the Internet, consumers are turning to products, such as [ Norton 360 ], that provide multiple layers of security protection."
Introduced last month with the Norton 2010 products, codename "Quorum" uses the unique attributes of a file, such as age, download source, digital signature, and prevalence, to assess its reputation. It also continuously updates a file's reputation as it changes over time. Since its release, the new protection model is now tracking 70 million unique files, leveraging input from more than 35 million anonymous Norton Community Watch members. In addition, the technology currently identifies one million new files per week.
Leveraging this technology, Symantec has achieved unprecedented results in third-party testing designed to compare the effectiveness of security products against genuine threats consumers might encounter online. In tests conducted by [ Dennis Technology Labs ] (1), an independent UK-based lab that specializes in "real-world" anti-malware testing, Norton Internet Security 2010 powered by the new protection model was the only product out of 10 to achieve a perfect score of 100 percent detection, compared to an average detection rate of 78 percent across all products tested.
In addition to protection and performance, Norton 360 beta includes improvements to the features valued most by consumers, such as PC tuneup and backup. The latest version boasts enhancements designed to save computer users time, improve PC performance and deliver "set and forget" convenience. Consumers can save valuable boot-up time by using the Smart Start-up Manager feature to reduce or stagger start-up applications. For backup users, Norton 360 beta offers the ability to backup up files online, and to restore or access them from anywhere via the Web.
"In the fight against cybercrime, we recognize that consumers need more than just basic protection," said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president, Consumer Products and Marketing, Symantec. "Our technology's effectiveness has been battle-tested and proven in the field, and we're including this new form of security in the Norton 360 beta."
Norton 360 beta includes additional key features such as the Norton Insight family of technologies and enhanced versions of the recovery tool and Norton Identity Safe. Also included in Norton 360 beta are SONAR 2, sophisticated second-generation behavioral security technology that detects entirely new threats based on their suspicious actions, without the need for traditional fingerprints, and a powerful new enterprise-grade spam blocking engine. Norton 360 beta features [ Norton Safe Web ], a Web site rating service that annotates Google, Yahoo! and Live.com search results with safety and ecommerce ratings, and an opportunity to try [ OnlineFamily.Norton ], a Web-based service that keeps parents in the loop on their kids' online lives.
Beta Availability
The beta is available for free public download now at: [ www.norton.com/n360v4beta ]. Norton beta testers are encouraged to share feedback and discuss their product experiences in our online [ Norton Public Beta Forum ].
About Norton From Symantec
Symantec's Norton products protect consumers from traditional threats with [ antivirus ], [ anti-spyware ] and [ phishing protection ], as well as bots, drive-by downloads and identity theft -- while also being light on system resources. The company also provides services such as online backup and PC tuneup, and is a trusted source for family online safety. Friend us on Facebook at [ www.facebook.com/norton ] and follow @NortonOnline on [ Twitter. ]
About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at [ www.symantec.com ].
(1) [ "PC Virus Protection 2010," ] Dennis Technology Labs, Sept. 29, 2009
This forward-looking indication of plans for products is preliminary and all future release dates are tentative and are subject to change. Any future release of the product or planned modifications to product capability, functionality or feature are subject to ongoing evaluation by Symantec, and may or may not be implemented and should not be considered firm commitments by Symantec and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions.
Note to Editors: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please visit the Symantec News Room at [ http://www.symantec.com/news ]. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.
Symantec and the Symantec Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
