Symantec's New Norton SystemWorks 2003 Delivers Web Optimisation Tools and Enhanced Virus Protection

Professional Edition includes new Norton Ghost and Performance Test

SINGAPORE -- September 30, 2002 -- Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, has rolled out new versions of the world's most trusted Internet security solutions, Norton Internet Security 2003, Norton AntiVirus 2003, and Norton Personal Firewall 2003.

The proliferation of viruses including blended threats and the ready availability of sophisticated hacking tools on the Internet has accelerated the learning curve for Internet security corporate and home users alike. According to Nielsen//NetRatings, 34 percent of Internet users worldwide are based in the United States and Canada, 27 percent in Europe and the Middle East, 21 percent in Asia-Pacific and 2 percent in Latin America. The rest of the world accounts for the remaining 16 percent. With a huge population of home users already accessing the Internet, a robust security solution becomes imperative.

"With the increased reliance on Internet, email and Instant Messaging, users now more than ever need to protect themselves against all online dangers," said Ross Wilson, Senior Regional Director, SEA, Symantec. "The new 2003 Norton range from Symantec reaffirms our commitment to protecting and providing the most advanced technology for Internet security for home and small business users. We are confident that the latest versions will spur our market leadership in the security software market even further^*."

The 2003 Versions Key Offerings

Norton Internet Security 2003
Norton Internet Security 2003 features Symantec's updated, best-of-breed firewall, intrusion detection, privacy controls, antivirus and content filtering technologies in a single, easy-to-use suite. It protects against blended threats such as Nimda, Code Red and Klez which use multiple methods and techniques to attack and quickly cause widespread damage.

Key new benefits in Norton Internet Security 2003 include Norton Intrusion Detection, enhanced privacy control features, Norton Spam Alert and usability improvements to enhance the customer experience. Norton Intrusion Detection provides users with an additional layer of security by automatically blocking malicious attacks that spread quickly through Internet traffic which a firewall alone cannot stop. Norton Privacy Control provides new privacy protection features such as filtering confidential information in email, Instant Messaging and Microsoft Office email attachments. Norton Spam Alert allows users to filter out annoying spam email messages. Usability enhancements include a new user interface, automated protection, alerts to network connections (including wireless), the ability to block all Internet traffic with the push of a button and a visual security monitor. These new features combine with Norton Personal Firewall (also part of Norton Internet Security 2003) to provide users with a total Internet security solution.

Norton AntiVirus 2003
Utilizing new exclusive technologies, Norton AntiVirus 2003 removes malicious code automatically, and protects e-mail messages and Instant Messaging attachments from viruses. The latest version of Symantec's award-winning antivirus solution also keeps virus definitions up-to-date through LiveUpdate without requiring user intervention, which allows consumers to continuously maintain the highest level of virus protection.

Exclusive, heuristics-based Worm Blocking technology in Norton AntiVirus 2003 detects email worms such as Nimda and Badtrans, stopping them before they spread through outgoing e-mail. Used together with Symantec's automatic updating and response capabilities, and complemented by Symantec's powerful Script Blocking technology, Worm Blocking helps provide proactive protection against known and unknown threats even before new virus definitions are created.

In addition to automatic virus removal, Norton AntiVirus 2003 now removes Trojan horses and worms without interrupting work. Norton AntiVirus 2003 includes one year of virus definition subscription services, which provide reliable, ongoing protection against new and unknown threats.

The Professional Edition of Norton AntiVirus 2003 includes all the features and capabilities of Norton AntiVirus 2003 plus data recovery and data cleaning features designed specifically for professionals and small businesses. These tools allow users to protect and recover critical files and ensure confidentiality by digitally shredding files no longer needed. Most conveniently the Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional Edition further ensures protection and recovery by offering a license for two computers.

Norton Personal Firewall 2003
Norton Personal Firewall 2003 is the only personal firewall to provide a full firewall, comprehensive privacy protection, program control and a complete intrusion detection system. It automatically controls inbound and outbound Internet connections, examines the content of Internet traffic for attacks and prevents confidential information from being sent through e-mail, Instant Messaging services and Microsoft Office attachments.

With advanced intrusion detection functionality, it surpasses the security capabilities of traditional firewall products by examining the actual content of Internet traffic for malicious attacks, thus enabling Norton Personal Firewall to automatically detect and respond to high-risk threats such as the Nimda and Code Red worms. When an intrusion is detected, based on a signature, Norton Personal Firewall automatically blocks all traffic to and from the attacking computer. Norton Personal Firewall also enables users to discover the source of attempted intrusions by tracing the attacker and displaying the location on world map, and its Security Monitor feature enables users to control security activities from a single location while assuring them that Internet traffic is actively being filtered.

The Privacy Control component in Norton Personal Firewall 2003 not only blocks cookies and active content, it also automatically prevents personal information such as credit card numbers or phone numbers from being sent to unsecured Web sites without the user's knowledge. In addition, it blocks confidential information from being sent through standard POP3 e-mail clients, Microsoft Office e-mail attachments and Instant Messaging services such as MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger.

To ensure additional convenience, Norton Personal Firewall 2003 features enhanced ad blocking capabilities that keep banner ads, pop-up windows and other distractions off the screen, thereby speeding Internet connections while helping maximize user productivity. The Security Assistant, new Alert Assistant and Home Network Assistant streamline setup, ease response, and facilitate addition to a home network, respectively. In addition, to further simplify use, Norton Personal Firewall 2003 introduces Network Notification, which advises users when their computer is joining a wireless or local cable network.

Pricing and Availability
Norton Internet Security 2003, Norton AntiVirus 2003 and Norton Personal Firewall 2003 will be available from late September 2002 from local resellers or at Symantec's online store at http://ap.symantecstore.com.

The estimated retail prices are: Norton Internet Security 2003 S$149, Norton AntiVirus 2003 S$109 and Norton Personal Firewall S$99. For additional product information call the Customer Service line at (1800) 470 0730 or visit www.symantec.com.sg

These Internet security products include one year of updates to virus definitions, firewall rules and parental control.

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.sg

NOTE TO EDITORS: 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.

* The IDC report, titled "Worldwide Internet Security Software Market Forecast and Analysis, 2002-2006: Vendor Views, names Symantec as the world's leading security software provider based on revenue in 2001. With a 12 percent market share worldwide, Symantec topped the list of 84 other security software vendors included in the report. market share worldwide, Symantec topped the list of 84 other security software vendors included in the report.