Symantec releases Norton 360 V2

Symantec has at last released version 2 of its Norton 360 security suite after a long beta test. Described as "Lighter, faster & friendlier", Symantec claims it should make it easier for less experienced users to protect their computers from malware infection.

Not that much has changed since the previous version. In addition to virus and spyware protection, a firewall, intrusion prevention, anti-phishing and clean up functions, the product offers browser protection to prevent malware from penetrating computers via security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer or ActiveX controls. The Identity Safe password manager stores personal data such as login information for websites in protected form and automatically enters it into web forms.

The backup module now supports Blu-ray media, iPods and network drives. Symantec also includes a licence for its Norton AntiBot behavioural blocker, which uses non-signature based techniques. Parental control and anti-spam is provided via an add-on pack, which users can download from Symantec.

A one-year licence for three computers with 2GB of online backup storage space costs €70, and extra storage is available at an additional charge. Users of the previous version who have a valid subscription can upgrade to the new version free of charge and continue to use it until their subscription expires. Norton 360 V2 should be available with immediate effect, although the Symantec website still only shows the previous version.

See also:

• Norton 360, product description from Symantec

(mba)