The security service will include online identity theft protection,
backup and PC tune-up capabilities. Norton 360, previously codenamed
Genesis, is part of Symantec's broader vision for the next generation
of online security, coined Security 2.0. While Microsoft is claiming
that its new Windows Live OneCare product will provide all the
protection that its Windows XP and Vista users are likely to need, at
least some security industry observers believe that Symantec is way
ahead of Microsoft in security technology.
Charles Sharland, CEO of UK-based security vendor Appsense believes
that Microsoft, despite its huge advantage of owning the desktop will
be no threat to Symantec. "I think Symantec are well ahead of Microsoft
in security technology. It's their area of speciality while Microsoft
have got so many other things to worry about," said Sharland. "The
threats are becoming more increasingly sophisticated these days so you
need to have someone prottecting you who is constantly keeping ahead of
the game."
Norton 360 will be delivered as an all-in-one service, with
automatically installed updates. The service will provide data
protection through automated online back-up and online transaction
security, where new tools will help protect consumers from phishing
scams and crimeware.
"Online threats are sophisticated and rapidly changing. We're committed
to staying ahead of those threats and keeping consumers safe," said
Enrique Salem, senior vice president, consumer products and solutions,
Symantec Corp. "Today's consumers want a simple solution that keeps
them safe online, without having to decipher technical jargon or keep
track of back-ups. They just want assurance that their information and
activities are safe. That's what Norton 360 will do."
Norton 360 is expected to launch by the end of the year, with the
specific launch timing to be determined based on customer feedback
during the beta program. The service will launch with worldwide
availability in multiple languages and countries. It will provide
security protection for both the Windows XP and the upcoming Windows
Vista operating system when it is available, according to Symantec.
The last part in the Symantec statement is quite interesting, given
that Symantec is currently trying halt the release of Vista in a
lawsuit.
Symantec fights Microsoft threat with Norton 360
Anti-virus leader Symantec Corp, under threat from Microsoft's entry its territory, has launched a counter-attack with the announcement of a new consumer PC security service to be branded Norton 360.
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Stan Beer
Stan Beer co-founded iTWire in 2005. With 25 years of experience working in Australian technology media, Beer has published articles in most of the IT publications that have mattered, including the AFR, The Australian, SMH, The Age, as well as a multitude of trade publications.
