Symantec Joins Anti-Spyware Push

With a public beta release, Symantec is joining a score of companies offering protection against the growing threat of spyware. Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition leverages Symantec's battle-hardened antivirus scanning engine, automatic updates and real-time background scans to stop spyware at the point of entry.

Symantec says its detection capabilities differentiate Norton Internet Security from competitors. Anti-spyware tools have become a big business for the software industry, as users wise up to the applications invading their systems and privacy.

With Norton Internet Security, spyware scans can be scheduled or take place in real time when LiveUpdate receives new definitions with Norton QuickScan. QuickScan works quietly in the background to detect and quarantine high-risk spyware and adware without user intervention.

Spyware is identified by known definitions provided by Symantec Security Response; providing what Symantec claims will be fewer false positives.

Symantec has also bundled the latest editions of its Norton Personal Firewall software to detect suspicious behavior that may be symptomatic of malware that attempts to obtain personal information like passwords. Spam filtering is provided to separate unwanted e-mail from legitimate e-mail, while protecting the user from phishing scams.

Lastly, Symantec has set its sights on social hygiene. Parents may set Norton Parental Control to restrict access to user specified Web sites and undesirable Internet newsgroups.

"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.

The public beta is free of cost and may be downloaded via FileForum. Symantec expects to distribute copies to OEM customers and retailers in the second quarter of 2005. The product may be purchased for $79.95 USD with current customers and users of select competing products being eligible for upgrade pricing at a cost of $49.95 USD. Windows 2000 Professional or above is required for installation.