Symantec Earns Virus Bulletin's 100 Percent Rating for Virus Detection

- Norton AntiVirus Provides Leading Protection Against In-The-Wild Viruses -

Cupertino, Calif. --May 19, 1998-- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the worldwide leader in utilities and anti-virus software, announced today that HREF=http://www.symantec.com/nav/index.html>Norton AntiVirus has earned Virus Bulletin's 100 percent rating for detection of in-the-wild viruses, those viruses that pose the greatest threat to consumers. This rating is included in the May 1998 issue which compares 22 anti-virus products from around the world. Virus Bulletin awards 100 percent certification to anti-virus products that detect 100 percent of in-the-wild viruses in scanning tests designed to represent real-world virus incidents. Such recognition indicates that winning products are best equipped to protect users against real-world virus threats.

"Virus Bulletin 100 certification proves our commitment to providing customers the best comprehensive protection against the latest virus threats," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit. "This is a testament to the industry-leading technology included in all Norton AntiVirus products that offer users superior detection and repair of known viruses as well as new and unknown viruses that have not been detected in the lab yet."

In the Virus Bulletin analysis, Norton AntiVirus consistently detected more samples across all tests than other major competitors in the on-access scanning. In the on-access tests, Norton AntiVirus received a 100 percent rating for in-the-wild file and macro viruses, polymorphic viruses, and the large "standard" set of file viruses. On-access detection is critical for users as it provides a real-time solution as they are going about their daily computing activities. In addition, Norton AntiVirus earned a 100 percent rating for the in-the-wild boot and file virus on-demand tests. In fact, Norton AntiVirus tied or beat the competition on detection tests of every major category of viruses.

Industry-Leading Technology Provides Real-World Protection
In addition to a complete database of virus signatures, Norton AntiVirus uses Symantec's patent-pending Bloodhound technology to provide the most comprehensive detection and repair for new and unknown macro, file and boot viruses. Bloodhound uses a hybrid heuristic technology to detect new viruses by inspecting files for virus-like behavior. Once Bloodhound detects an unknown virus, Norton AntiVirus gives the user the option to repair it.

Symantec's exclusive Striker technology, a next generation polymorphic virus detection engine, is behind Norton AntiVirus' flawless detection of polymorphic viruses. Polymorphic viruses are often very difficult to detect using conventional anti-virus programs because of complex encryption that changes each time the virus infects a new file. Striker sets up a "virtual computer" that acts as a "clean room" in which it can safely execute potentially infected files without endangering other files on the user's hard disk. Striker provides airtight detection and eradication of these polymorphic viruses and keeps the user's computer environment clean.

In addition, the best way for users to stay protected against real-time virus threats is to keep their anti-virus software updated. Symantec offers users four times the protection with fully-tested, weekly virus definition updates. Users can download the new updates every Thursday evening from the Symantec web site (Error! Bookmark not defined.) or by using Symantec's exclusive LiveUpdate feature.

Norton AntiVirus
The Norton AntiVirus product line includes a multi-tier strategy that integrates products at the desktop, server, GroupWare server, Internet gateway and firewall to provide users with the most comprehensive virus detection and repair. The products provide users the security of knowing they have the most complete protection available whether downloading files from the Internet, opening attached word documents or accessing floppy disks.

HREF=http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html>Symantec AntiVirus Research Center
SARC is the industry's largest dedicated team of virus experts. With offices located in the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, the sun never sets on SARC. The center's mission is to provide swift, global responses to computer virus threats, proactively research and develop technologies that eliminate such threats, and educate the public on safe computing practices. As new computer viruses appear, SARC develops identification and detection for these viruses, and provides either a repair or delete operation, thus keeping users protected against the latest virus threats.

About Symantec
Symantec Corporation helps make users productive and keep their computers safe and reliable anywhere and anytime. Symantec offers a broad range of solutions and is acclaimed as a leader in both customer satisfaction and product brand recognition. The company is focused on addressing customer needs in three main application areas: the Norton product line of anti-virus and PC-assistance products; the pcANYWHERE, WinFax and ACT! product lines that cater to remote user productivity; and the Cafe product lines in Internet development tools.

Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe, Japan and several fast growing markets throughout Asia Pacific and Latin America. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC, Symantec Corporation is based in Cupertino, California and employs more than 2,000 people. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234 toll free, (541) 334-6054 or accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.symantec.com.

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