Symantec research shows seventy per cent of home computer users susceptible to malicious hacking attacks
Symantec Makes Internet Security Protection a Breeze with the launch of the 2002, Windows XP Compatible, Versions of World's Most Trusted Security Products - Norton Internet Security, Norton AntiVirus and Norton Personal Firewall
SYDNEY --NSW - August 6, 2001 -- Seventy per cent of home PC users are
unknowingly at risk of unwanted intrusions and related malicious attacks
from hackers, according to research conducted by Symantec Australia, a
world leader in Internet security.
Symantec invited home computer users from the Sydney PC User Group to take
part in the research programme to determine the incidence of potential
hacking attacks on home PCs in Australia. Research participants were given
a copy of Symantec's Norton Internet Security and asked to carry on
surfing the Internet as usual. At the end of the programme, the software
produced log files automatically so evidence of hacker activity could be
assessed by an independent research organisation.
In the period of one month over which the research was conducted, the
research participants recorded 1,199 attempted unwanted intrusions. One
person received 166 attacks alone in 14 days. Fifty per cent of
participants were attacked by over 237 trojan horses* that unsuccessfully
attempted to download malicious software to unsuspecting machines.
Survey participants used Symantec's Norton Internet security, to identify
attempted security breaches by hacker activity and protect their data
and privacy. The results demonstrate the need for consumers to be
vigilant about adequately protecting themselves against malicious
intrusions which are becoming more widespread and are scanning for
vulnerable computers.
Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall was able to detect and block 350 port
scans. Hackers typically 'port scan' to identify unprotected ports, or
entry points, to the computer A recent example was Code Red that initiated
port scans over the internet looking for vulnerable ISS servers. Two
participants were directly targeted by hackers who scanned each port to
see if there were any vulnerable ports.
"This research shows home computer users should not assume that hackers
only want to infiltrate huge corporate networks," said John Donovan,
Managing Director, Symantec Australia & New Zealand. "On many home
computers is information such as credit card details, phone numbers and
addresses, financial records and other personal information that could be
used to steal their identity or be used fraudulently.
"If you use the Internet it is highly likely you will come into contact
with trojans and port scanning devices and unless sensible precautions are
taken including anti-virus and personal firewall protection, home
computers are open to unwanted intrusions.
"Only nine per cent of the participants were on broadband/DSL, which
clearly shows that personal security is important even if you are using
the Internet via a dial-up or modem service and only connecting to do your
online banking or check the stock prices," said Donovan.
"I was astounded at the number of attempted hacking attacks there were on
my computer. The results simply show how vulnerable we all are as users of
the Internet," said Peter Davis, a participant and member of the PC User
Group. "It's quite disturbing that without adequate Internet security
protection, complete strangers can have access to your personal and
financial information without you even knowing. As a small business owner
who often does work from home, it is crucial for me to feel safe in the
knowledge that my client information and my personal details are
protected."
Symantec launches Norton 2002 Suite of Products
Responding to consumers' needs for reliable, secure protection against
malicious attacks by an increasingly growing number of hackers, Symantec
announced today the availability of the powerful and functional 2002 suite
of Internet security tools for the home and at work.
"Symantec has always been at the forefront of Internet security,
constantly developing and delivering the most trusted, convenient, and
powerful solutions to our valued customers," said John Donovan. "The new
2002 versions from Symantec reaffirm our continued dedication to
protecting users at all levels and ensuring the most hassle-free Internet
computing experience."
The entire 2002 range of products from Symantec are compatible with the
soon to be released Windows XP operating system from Microsoft, including
Norton SystemWorks 2002 which has also been launched today.
The ready availability of increasingly sophisticated hacking tools and
today's escalating concerns regarding online privacy signal the need for
powerful and functional security tools in the home as well as the work
place.
The 2002 Versions Key Offerings
Norton AntiVirus 2002
One of the most refined and powerful anti-virus solutions available,
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is designed to maximise protection from viruses
without interrupting work or slowing down the users system. It provides
unique protection with automatic virus detection and repair, automated
Internet updates, and seamless integration with Windows Explorer.
Now compatible with Windows XP, Norton AntiVirus 2002 automates critical
tasks to minimise user interaction. In addition to automatically repairing
virus-infected files, Norton AntiVirus 2002 also automatically updates
virus definitions, thereby continually protecting users against even the
most recently discovered threats.
To proactively detect fast-moving script-based viruses such as the "I Love
You" and "Anna Kournikova" viruses, Norton AntiVirus 2002 also includes
exclusive Script Blocking technology that constantly monitors scripts and
alerts users to virus-like malicious behaviour, stopping viruses before
they can infect a system.
Norton AntiVirus 2002 also scans both incoming and outgoing email,
preventing email programs from sending and forwarding virus-infected email
and supports broader email protocols such as IMAP and SMTP, including
enhanced support for AOL email.
Norton Personal Firewall 2002
Norton Personal Firewall 2002 provides the most sophisticated technologies
available to protect against Internet threats-without sacrificing
usability. It is the only personal firewall to combine full strength
firewall, application control and intrusion protection, controlling all
Internet connections to and from the computer and blocking attempted
intrusions. Norton Personal Firewall 2002 provides a threat-level
assessment to help users decide whether to permit or deny access to the
Internet.
Norton Personal Firewall 2002's Intrusion Protection with AutoBlock
detects port scans and automatically blocks hackers from further access to
the user's system. Application control guards against Trojan horses or
other malicious applications that attempt to download and launch silently
without the user's knowledge. It scans applications as they attempt to
access the Internet, utilising a database of common applications to make
firewall configuration easy and safe. In addition, Norton Personal
Firewall keeps personal information private, filtering information the
user chooses to protect.
Norton Internet Security 2002
The most complete and well-integrated online security and privacy solution
for Windows users, Norton Internet Security 2002 features a complete copy
of Symantec's updated Norton AntiVirus 2002, Norton Personal Firewall
2002, privacy and content filtering technologies. Norton Internet Security
is an easy-to-use suite with a single install, single interface and a
single update centre.
The new Norton Privacy Control prevents personal data from being sent
online to unsecured web sites without the user's knowledge. Norton
Privacy Control extends privacy protection by providing Instant Messaging
filtering, which blocks personal or confidential information from being
sent in both Microsoft Instant Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. It
also provides cookie blocking which prevents users from being tracked
online.
Also included in Norton Internet Security 2002 is Norton Parental Control
to ensure the safety and protection of children as they use the Internet.
This component features a customisable list of web sites that are
categorised as objectionable by parents, teachers, and law enforcement
officials. Highly flexible and easy to use, Norton Parental Control
includes the Parental Control Wizard to provide parents step-by-step
instructions for configuring accounts to meet each child's unique online
needs.
The new Home Network Assistant will automatically detect systems on the
user's home network for easy addition to the 'Trusted Zone' within
Internet Zone Control. Users can run the Home Network Wizard as part of
the Security Assistant at any time to help them configure their home
networks.
Pricing and Availability
Norton Internet Security 2002, Norton AntiVirus 2002 and Norton Personal
Firewall 2002 will be available from late September 2001 from local
resellers or at Symantec's online store at .
The estimated retail prices, including GST are: Norton Internet Security
2002 $139.00, Norton AntiVirus 2002 $109.00 and Norton Personal Firewall
$99.00. For additional product information call the Customer Service line
at 1-800-680-026 or visit www.symantec.com .au
These Internet security products include one year of updates of virus
definitions, firewall rules and parental control.
About Symantec
B
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad
range of content and network security solutions to individuals and
enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection,
firewall and virtual private networks, vulnerability management, intrusion
detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management
technologies and security services to enterprises around the world.
Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products leads the market in
worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino,
Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 37 countries. For more
information, please visit www.symantec.com.au.
|
