Symantec announced this week of the Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition. This new product is the next logical step in Symantec’s overall computer security service. The beta version is currently available as a free download from Symantec’s website https://www-secure.symantec.com/public_beta/.
The new product will provide real time protection for computer users by providing detection and removal services as well as prevention in the future. The new package offers some real advantages over existing spyware/adware protection software.
The real time is feature is perhaps the best. With other products, one has to run the program before it picks things up. With Norton’s, it’s always on as a part of it’s virus protection system, which is included with the package.
The advantage of Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition will be its ability to accurately differentiate between actual spyware risks and legitimate software applications. The potential for false positives with Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition will be significantly reduced because real-time detection will be based on known signatures that are posted by Symantec Security Response and deployed via Automatic LiveUpdate.
“Computer users are fed up with spyware and adware clogging their PCs. They are equally unhappy with standalone products that only address one aspect of their security needs. Users want a single, easy-to-use solution that lets them use their machines without having to become computer security experts,” said Matthew Moynahan, vice president of consumer products and solutions at Symantec. “Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition is being designed to meet this critical need by delivering a comprehensive, integrated Internet security solution that provides powerful protection from spyware along with spam, viruses, worms and hacker attacks.”
The package will retail for $79.95 and while this may seem steep, it will include the complete computer protection suite offered by Symantec including the firewall, intrusion prevention, privacy protection, virus protection, spam filtering, and content filtering features. This complete package should make it popular among PC users at home.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
