Symantec Norton Internet Security 2003 Delivers Comprehensive Protection Against Online Security Threats

Symantec Norton Internet Security 2003 Delivers Comprehensive Protection Against Online Security Threats

New benefits include Intrusion Detection, Spam Filtering, Automatic Virus Removal and Simplified User Interface

Hong Kong -- September 18, 2002 - Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, today announced the launch of Norton Internet Security 2003, a comprehensive suite of online security and software privacy tools combining best-of-breed firewall, intrusion detection, privacy control, antivirus and content filtering technologies in a single, easy-to-use suite with simplified user interface.

Available in Hong Kong in late September, new benefits of NIS 2003 include Norton Intrusion Detection, enhanced privacy control features, Norton Spam Alert and usability improvements to enhance the user experience.

Norton Intrusion Detection is an additional security layer, which automatically blocks malicious attacks that spread quickly through Internet traffic that a firewall alone cannot stop. Norton Privacy Control provides protection features such as filtering confidential information in outgoing email messages, attachments and Instant Messaging. Norton Spam Alert allows users to filter out unsolicited spam emails. Usability enhancements include automated protection, alerts to network connections, the ability to block all Internet traffic with the push of a button and a visual security monitor.

The 2003 offering from Symantec protects users against emerging Internet attacks such as blended threats like Nimda, Code Red and Klez, which use multiple methods to attack and cause widespread damage.

"The popularity of online banking, and online purchasing has increased the amount of personal information being sent through the Internet, in turn highlighting the importance of comprehensive online security," said David Sykes, North Asia Director of Symantec. "Norton Internet Security 2003 is an efficient and effective tool for maximising online privacy protection, while automatically blocking malicious code, viruses and computer hackers. Its new features make it a must-have for all Internet users who want to enjoy a safe experience as they email, bank, shop and play online."

Comprehensive Personal Firewall
While the firewall component of NIS 2003 secures inbound and outbound communications and keeps the user's PC invisible to hackers, the addition of Norton Intrusion Detection adds another layer of security by automatically detecting and blocking malicious attacks such as the Nimda, Code Red and Klez worms. When the system detects an intrusion, it will automatically block the attack and stop all further communication from the attacker's computer.

Enhanced Privacy Protection
Norton Privacy Control now prevents confidential information from being sent through standard POP3 e-mail and MS Office e-mail attachments, as well as through regular Web traffic and Instant Messaging services, including AOL Messenger, and Windows/MSN Messenger.

Spam Filtering
NIS 2003 also provides spam filtering to prevent unsolicited e-mail messages from burdening one's e-mail in-box. Norton Spam Alert detects spam messages and flags them as spam in the subject field. Users can then decide to delete the message or set a rule to handle the spam messages by automatically filing them in a specified folder. Unlike competing spam filtering solutions that require the use of a special, separate email reader, Norton Spam Alert allows users to continue to user their preferred POP3 email client -- such as Microsoft Outlook.

Improved Ad Blocking
Improved ad blocking provides the ability to block more banner ads, pop-up and pop-under windows and other Web distractions. For dial-up users, it also has the advantage of speeding up Internet connections.

Enhanced Antivirus protection
The complete version of Norton AntiVirus 2003 (NAV 2003) provides Norton Internet Security 2003 users with comprehensive antivirus protection. NAV 2003 removes viruses automatically, protects e-mail messages and Instant Message attachments and keeps virus definitions up-to-date without requiring user intervention.

In addition to automatically removing viruses, NAV 2003 now removes Trojan horses and worms automatically, blocking worms in outgoing e-mail even before a virus definition is available.

NAV 2003 also detects and stops fast-moving script-based viruses proactively without requiring a virus definition update. Further, NAV 2003 automatically scans and cleans incoming attachments from popular Instant Messaging services such as Yahoo! Instant Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger and Windows/MSN Messenger.

Pricing and Availability Norton Internet Security 2003 is available in late September at a suggested retail price of HK$663. To facilitate upgrading to the new version, Symantec has launched a dedicated telephone Upgrade Centre. Existing users can now call 2877 0776 to purchase the upgrade at the price of HK$398, and the software will be delivered within five days. Norton Internet Security 2003 includes one year of security updates. Annual subscriptions are available for subsequent updates. For additional product information, please call the 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.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Web site. All prices noted are in US dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec logo are trademarks or registered trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Symantec Corporation. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

Appendix 1

Norton Internet Security 2003 --- Fact Sheet

Several enhancements make Norton Internet Security 2003 the easiest solution for protecting against today's most common Internet threats. These new capabilities include:

A redesigned interface simplifies use while increasing performance.
Alert Assistant provides detailed, easy-to-understand information to assist users in responding to security alerts.
The Internet Disconnect feature boosts security by enabling users to immediately stop all Internet traffic with the press of a button at the first sign of malicious activity.
Security Monitor controls security activities from a simplified user interface, assuring the user's Internet traffic is being monitored.
Automatic LiveUpdate checks for and downloads the latest updated virus definitions, firewall rules, intrusion detection signatures and Internet application profiles when the user is online.
The Visual Tracking feature uncovers the geographic location of an attacker.
Network Notification alerts the user when his or her computer has joined a wireless or local wired network.
Password Protection secures selected settings and prevents Norton Internet Security from being turned off inadvertently by malicious code.
Newsgroup filtering extends the Parental Control capabilities of Norton Internet Security 2003 by enabling parents to block access to inappropriate newsgroups.