Norton by Symantec today announced two new developments, both of which are aimed at extending their online security offerings and offering users more comprehensive protection for their digital lives. The first of these is the new Norton Internet Security 2012, which the company explains is ‘designed to improve on the already industry-leading benchmarks for protection and performance, while enhancing the overall user experience’. Internet Security 2012 combines reputation, file, behavior and network based protection to provide what the company asserts is its most comprehensive security to date.

Key Features

Key features and usability improvements in the new version include Norton Identity Safe in the Cloud - which is aimed at protecting personal and financial information from cybercriminals and keeping users protected from fraudulent websites, along with a  streamlined interface, simplified login experience, and ability to store passwords in the cloud. The  Norton Management functionality enables users to manage their Norton products from anywhere in the world, enabling them to check on the ‘health’ of their devices or fix issues remotely.

Internet Security 2012 also includes Norton Insight, which the company explains ‘leverages the anonymous software adoption patterns of millions of contributing Symantec users to automatically identify and block never before seen malicious software’. The Download Insight feature checks downloaded files for safety before installation and provides users with additional data about the predicted stability of the application in their environment, based on the stability experiences of millions of other Symantec users.
 
 Norton Online Family

The company further announced Norton Online Family for Android and iOS user under its Norton Everywhere initiative, that it asserts ‘goes beyond internet security and gives consumers the power to protect themselves and their families across multiple devices and platforms’. Norton Online Family is a free mobile application that enables parents using Norton Online Family to view their children’s online activities and manage each child’s “House Rules” from their iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or Android-operating device.

“For the past few years we have witnessed an explosion of devices, platforms and applications for consumers to enjoy. However, with these exciting changes come new digital dangers and an even greater need for consumers to be protected from cybercrime,” said Kara Rawden, senior marketing manager, consumer - Middle East and Africa, Symantec Corporation. “As a world leader in security, Norton will continue striving to ensure that our customers are protected wherever they go, whatever digital experience they choose to have,” she continued.

Norton Internet Security 2012 is available at a RRP of R490 at various retailers and the Norton online store, which provides one year of protection for up to three PCs. Norton Internet Security 2007 or later users with a valid product subscription are eligible to receive the latest product updates via the subscription service model.

In recent news, the Norton Cybercrime report for 2011, revealed that cybercrime costs the global economy $114 billion.