Norton AntiVirus Awarded Checkmark Certification for Trojan Detection

Norton AntiVirus is first product to receive three levels of Checkmark certification; adds to Checkmark Levels One and Two for virus detection and disinfection

CUPERTINO, Calif --December 15, 1998-- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced that Norton AntiVirus is the first anti-virus product to receive three levels of Checkmark certification. The Checkmark is regarded as the dominant global standard of computer security product effectiveness.

The third level trojan Checkmark comes just days after Norton AntiVirus was awarded Checkmark Level Two certification for its ability to disinfect all viruses in The WildList that are capable of being disinfected. The product already held Checkmark Level One certification awarded to anti-virus software that can detect all viruses in The WildList.

Though technically not a computer virus, a trojan can be every bit as damaging to a computer or computer network. "The harm that a trojan can do varies from stealing a login ID or Internet password, to compromising the security of a corporate network or corrupting a corporation's data," said Paul Robinson, director of West Coast Labs.

The trojan Checkmark certification was awarded to Norton AntiVirus by the independent testing facility for Secure Computing Magazine, West Coast Labs. Secure Computing Magazine has a circulation of more than 100,000 worldwide and is the leading publication for IT professionals who are responsible for network security. The third level certification followed extensive testing of Norton AntiVirus to determine the software's ability to detect 100 percent of the 500+ trojans in the West Coast Labs test suite without generating a false alarm.

"This is a tremendous achievement for Symantec", said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance business unit. "Becoming the first company to achieve three levels of certification provides our customers with independent assurance that Norton AntiVirus has passed the most intense testing possible to demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting and disinfecting computer viruses and addressing the threat from trojans."

Paul Robinson added: "The trojan Checkmark highlights Symantec's commitment to defending users against this increasingly prevalent threat. This certification plus Checkmark Levels One and Two clearly shows the significant development effort which Symantec has made in Norton AntiVirus."

Background to Checkmark Certification
Each of the Checkmarks provides a clear and unambiguous indication of attainment of a relevant standard for users of computer security solutions. The Checkmark consists of a standard, a test and a certificate. The standard is a real-world, industry-accepted test. The test may be carried out by West Coast Labs or by an accredited tester. The certificate is awarded by West Coast Labs.

This testing procedure for trojans is repeated every six weeks and if a product fails to preserve its level of detection, its Checkmark is suspended and even withdrawn if the manufacturer does not improve the product's detection. This means that the Checkmark provides an independent certification of quality.

Users can easily verify that a product has a Checkmark by looking at the product box to see if it carries the Checkmark logo, by contacting West Coast Labs, or by visiting the Checkmark web site. The Checkmark is the dominant global standard of effectiveness for computer security products.

Media Contact for West Coast Labs:
Paul Robinson
Director, West Coast Labs
+44 1792 324000
probinson@westcoast.com

For current Checkmark status visit www.check-mark.com.

About Norton AntiVirus
Since Symantec and IBM announced their alliance, more than 3,500 companies worldwide have committed to transition to Norton AntiVirus.

The Norton AntiVirus product line includes a multi-tier strategy that integrates a powerful anti-virus solution at desktops, servers, groupware servers, Internet e-mail gateways and firewalls 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 e-mail attachments or accessing floppy disks.

About Symantec
Symantec is the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing. Symantec products and solutions help 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. Symantec is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC. More information on the company and its products can be obtained at www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, view the Symantec Press Center at www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Website.

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