Symnatec's New Norton AntiVirus 2003 Provides Out-of-the-Box Protection at Multiple Entry Points Without User Intervention

New Benefits Include Instant Messaging Protection, Virus Infection Repair, Worm/Trojan Horse Removal, Automatic System Protection

Hong Kong -- August 23, 2002 - Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, today announced Norton AntiVirus 2003, the world's most trusted antivirus solution for home computer users. Norton AntiVirus 2003 removes most malicious code automatically, protects e-mail messages and Instant Messaging attachments, and keeps virus definitions up-to-date without requiring user intervention.

With Norton AntiVirus 2003, Symantec introduces several exclusive technologies that protect systems out-of-the-box at multiple points of entry while proactively solving virus problems. Building on previous versions, Norton AntiVirus 2003 protects Instant Messaging services, blocks new e-mail worms from spreading, and automatically removes viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. Norton AntiVirus 2003 will also be an integral component of Norton Internet Security 2003 and Norton SystemWorks 2003.

"This new release of Norton AntiVirus represents the easiest, smartest, and most reliable antivirus solution for securing home users, professionals, and small businesses," said David Sykes, North Asia Director at Symantec. "Norton AntiVirus 2003 ensures maximum virus protection by automatically safeguarding customers against malicious code at multiple points of entry and by keeping virus definitions and components up-to-date."

With Instant Message use skyrocketing, Norton AntiVirus 2003 now scans incoming attachments from Instant Messaging services, augmenting the multi-layered scanning capabilities of Norton AntiVirus to further ensure users' protection from viruses and other malicious code. Instant Messaging scanning supports Yahoo! Instant Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Windows Messenger. Combined with automatic configuration of e-mail scanning as well as with both inbound and outbound e-mail scanning, this capability assures users that their systems remain protected-without requiring user intervention.

Unique, heuristics-based Worm Blocking technology in Norton AntiVirus 2003 detects SMTP worms such as Nimda and Badtrans, stopping them before they spread through outgoing e-mail. Used together with Symantec's updating and response capabilities, and complemented by Symantec's powerful Script Blocking technology that detects fast-moving script-based viruses, Worm Blocking helps provide proactive protection against known and unknown threats even before new virus definitions are created. Just as Norton AntiVirus 2002 eased the removal of malicious code by automatically ridding systems of viruses, Norton AntiVirus 2003 extends that ease through automatic protection by removing Trojan horses and worms without interrupting work. This capability, used in conjunction with current virus definitions, significantly reduces the ability of Trojan horses and worms to present a security threat to systems and data.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 continues to keep users up-to-date by automatically downloading the most recent virus definitions through LiveUpdate, which now offers reduced virus definition size and faster delivery. Norton AntiVirus 2003 includes one free year of virus definition subscription services, which provide reliable, ongoing protection against new and unknown threats.

Pricing and Availability
Norton AntiVirus 2003 will be available in late September in Hong Kong for a suggested retail price of HK$468. Upgrade version of Norton AntiVirus 2003 is now available through Symantec's dedicated upgrade center. Existing users can call 2877 0776 to purchase an upgrade. The software will be delivered to the purchasers by courier within five days. The suggested retail price of Norton AntiVirus 2003 upgrade version is HK$273. For additional product information call Symantec Customer Service Hotline at 2598 1234 or visit www.symantec.com.hk

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, California, Symantec has worldwide operations in 38 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including anticipated activities and results that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from results expressed or implied by this press release. Such risk factors include, among others: the sustainability of recent growth rates, particularly in consumer products; the anticipation of the growth of certain market segments, particularly enterprise security; the positioning of Symantec's products in those segments; the competitive environment in the software industry; general market conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes to operating systems and product strategy by vendors of operating systems; acquisition risks; and whether Symantec can successfully develop new products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in the Risk Factors sections of the Company's previously filed Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2002. Symantec assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release except as otherwise required by law.