Symantec Updates Security Packs

Symantec has released its Norton Internet Security 2008 and Norton AntiVirus 2008 for Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista users. In addition, Norton Internet Security 2008 also features Norton Identity Safe to protect users’ identities when they buy, bank, or browse online. Moreover, the company claims to have optimized each product for greater performance, improved technical support, and reduced user interruption.

New to Norton in 2008:

• Browser Defender. Defends against drive-by downloads and other new or unknown threats that exploit vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Zero-day proactive protection against obfuscated code attacks using ActiveX, JavaScript, and VBScript that specifically target the browser.
• Norton Identity Safe. Keeps personal information and identity safeguarded when buying, banking or browsing online. It enables users to control which information is shared with Web sites, stores private information securely, and fills in passwords and Web forms automatically. It stores and encrypts passwords and other confidential data, automatically retrieving it at a user’s request to save time and protect it from being stolen by eavesdropping keystroke loggers.
• One-Click Support. Delivers the same access to support options previously available in Norton 360. This approach to support automatically troubleshoots common issues such as connectivity, licensing, and product activation. It also provides direct access to tech support via telephone, free email or free live chat -- all from within the main user interface.
• Home Network Feature. aps connected devices to provide a view of devices on the local network. Monitors the overall security status of other computers with Norton Internet Security 2008 or Norton AntiVirus 2008 installed. In addition, within Norton Internet Security 2008 this feature checks the status of wireless network security, alerts users when they connect to an unsecure wireless network, and provides expert advice to help users manage network security settings. Wireless network security status provides recommendations for securing wireless routers along with educational information about home network security.
• Performance. Compared to Norton Internet Security 2007, the 2008 user interface responds 22% faster and completes a quick scan up to 39% faster.

Additionally, both products include SONAR behavioral detection technology that protects against malicious code before standard virus and spyware detection definitions have been created. In Norton Internet Security 2008, SONAR runs a full scan every time an application attempts outbound communication, further protecting identity information by improving the firewall's effectiveness against unknown threats. This new functionality complements the existing security protection of Norton Internet Security, which includes rootkit protection capabilities as well as new Threat Interceptor vulnerability protection technologies.

Posted by Jon Erickson at 01:14 PM  Permalink