Symantec to Speak at AusCERT2004

Symantec Security Experts Discuss Global Impact of Malicious Threats and Malicious Threats on Handheld Platforms

SYDNEY - 19 May, 2004 -- Symantec, the global leader in information security, today announced that Vincent Weafer, senior director, Symantec Security Response and Eric Chien, chief researcher, Symantec Security Response, will speak at AusCERT2004, Asia Pacific's information technology security conference. Weafer and Chien's presentations are scheduled in the business stream for Monday, 24 May at 11.05am and 4.40pm respectively.

This will be the third AusCERT conference held in Australia and it will take place on the Gold Coast at the Royal Pines Resort from 23-27 May 2004. AusCERT2004's theme is 'Computer Security: Are we there yet?' and will include sessions focused on both business and technical issues. The conference is an international event focusing on IT security for CxOs and technical staff from both the private and public sectors.

Weafer's speech 'Malicious Code Attacks in the 21st Century' will discuss the global impact of threats, such as Sasser.B, MyDoom, Blaster and Sobig, which are having an increasing impact on all segments of computer users from global enterprises down to home users. Weafer will review some of the most significant advances in malicious code design and technology and how this is driving changes in the overall attack lifecycle. He will also outline some newer areas for concern including zero-day attacks and security defense strategies to combat evolving threats.

Chien's presentation on 'Malicious Threats on Handheld Operating Systems' will explore the malicious code threats on the three major handheld platforms - PalmOS, EPOC32 and Windows CE. He will provide demonstrations that will include the ability to remotely control devices via SMS, send email worms, hook the operating system, modify files, automatically send SMS' and initiate phone calls. Chien will also outline preventative measures and existing solutions for handheld devices.

For further information on AusCERT2004 please visit http://conference.auscert.org.au/.

About Symantec
Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) is the global leader in information security providing a broad range of software, appliances and services designed to help individuals, small and mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises secure and manage their IT infrastructure. Symantec's Norton brand of products is the worldwide leader in consumer security and problem-solving solutions. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 35 countries. More information is available at http://www.symantec.com.