IDC names Symantec as the world's leading Internet security software provider

SYDNEY --NSW - July 31, 2002 -- Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced that a new IDC report names Symantec as the world's leading security software provider based on revenue in 2001. With a 12 per cent market share worldwide, Symantec topped the list of 84 other security software vendors included in the report.

"This report reflects the success of Symantec's strategy of becoming the preferred provider of integrated Internet security solutions to the enterprise buyer, while continuing to serve its 100 million consumer base," said John Schwarz, president and chief operating officer, Symantec Corp. "Symantec's growth can be attributed to its track record for defeating blended threats with highly-effective, managed security solutions for the client, server and gateway platforms."

The IDC report, titled "Worldwide Internet Security Software Market Forecast and Analysis, 2002-2006: Vendor Views," shows that Symantec's growth in 2001 outpaced that of the security software market. According to the report, Symantec's revenue jumped 22 per cent year-over-year, from more than US$589 million in 2000 to US$718 million in 2001. The total security software market grew 18 per cent to US$6 billion in 2001, up from just over US$5 billion in 2000, according to the report. The report also noted that
continued growth in the security software market is anticipated, and that "the future of IT security will tightly integrate policies, hardware and software products to work together and provide a company's network with overall protection". The report also predicts cyber attacks from blended threats similar to Code Red and Nimda will continue to increase in
frequency.

Security software, according to IDC, includes security management, access control, authentication, virus protection, encryption, intrusion detection, vulnerability assessment, and perimeter defence. Symantec provides virus protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and managed security services.

About Symantec
Symantec, the world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security software and appliance solutions to individuals, enterprises and service providers. The company is a leading provider of client, gateway and server security solutions for virus protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and security services to enterprises and service providers around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products is a leader in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 38 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.au

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