MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 7, 2011) - Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: [ SYMC ]) today announced free vulnerability assessments for Extended Validation Secure Sockets Layer (EV SSL), Premium and Secure Site Pro certificate customers. The new Symantec service enables quick identification and remediation of the most exploitable weaknesses on public-facing Web pages, Web-based applications, server software and network ports. With this new offering, Symantec goes beyond SSL to help instill confidence in websites, protect valuable brands, and safeguard customers' sensitive information.

[ Click to Tweet ]: Symantec's new free vulnerability scan discovers critical vulnerabilities in more than 50% of websites scanned: [ http://bit.ly/s9hMMc ]

In less than three weeks since the October launch of Symantec's new vulnerability assessments, the company has scanned nearly 2,000 web sites for critical vulnerabilities that could allow malicious hackers to insert malware or to directly access confidential customer data. Of these sites, more than half had critical vulnerabilities which customers were able to quickly remediate. Symantec identified hundreds of exposures, largely due to outdated software, and has already helped over half of the impacted customers to completely eliminate all identified vulnerabilities.

Over the past year, Symantec has extended its offerings beyond traditional SSL to better protect customer websites. The latest example is the [ free vulnerability assessments service ] to help customers reduce the cost and complexity of vulnerability management with automated scans, actionable reports, and a cloud-based architecture that requires no software installation or maintenance. In combination with the daily malware scan launched last year, Symantec now provides customers with end-to-end website protection.

Customer feedback from the vulnerability assessment pilot conducted in August 2011 reinforces the value and ease of use of the service.¹ "I cannot fix what I do not know is broken," said a manufacturer participating in the pilot. "It is very difficult to ensure web hosting security without a clear report defining its vulnerabilities. Vulnerability assessments from Symantec are an easy and cost effective method to alert my company of any potential hazards as they relate to security intrusion."

"Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly refining their attacks and targets; our customers are asking us for agile tools to stay ahead of them," said Fran Rosch, Vice President Identity and Authentication Services, Symantec. "Steps such as offering free vulnerability assessments with EV SSL, Premium and Secure Site Pro certificates show our commitment to protecting customers and the online community as a whole."

Inspiring and preserving customer confidence is central to Symantec's business philosophy and drives its market leadership. The October 2011 Netcraft SSL Survey found that Symantec continues to be the market leader among all SSL Certificate Authorities worldwide, with more than 40 percent share of all installed SSL certificates. Symantec also remains the top issuer of EV SSL Certificates, signing more than 67 percent of these certificates worldwide.

Availability

Symantec vulnerability assessments are available now to all EV SSL, Premium and Secure Site Pro Certificate customers. For more information, please visit: [ http://www.verisign.com/ssl/ssl-information-center/vulnerability-assessment-faq ].

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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 ].

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.

¹Results based on feedback from 100+ participants in the Vulnerability Assessment Preview Program, August 2011. All participants received a $50 gift certificate.

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Symantec's New Vulnerability Assessment Finds Critical Vulnerabilities on More Than Half of Scanned Sites

Symantec's New Vulnerability Assessment Finds Critical Vulnerabilities on More Than Half of Scanned Sites