What is the Automated Support Assistant?
The Automated Support Assistant is a diagnostic utility that you can download and run on your computer to assist finding and helping correct common support issues with Symantec products. The utility is a Windows program that uses ActiveX technology to integrate with the Support Web site. Symantec product information found by the utility is sent securely to Symantec for analysis. No personal information is ever accessed. This utility is read-only and no part of your system can be altered by it.
What data is being used?
The following data is used by the Automated Support Assistant:
- Product Name
- Product Version
- LiveUpdate Version
- Operating System Version
- Internet Explorer Version
- Available Memory
- Available Disk Space
- Program Status
For programs that use a subscription, the following data is also analyzed.
- Product Language
- Product SKU
- Subscription Service Name
- Subscription Service Language
- Subscription Service SKU
- Subscription Begin Date
- Subscription End Date
- Subscription Length
- Remaining Days for Subscription
- Subscription in Warning Period
- Subscription Expired
How is the data used?
The data is collected by an ActiveX control downloaded from the Symantec Support Web site. The ActiveX control locates Symantec product information and sends it securely to a Symantec server. Only product information is sent and the data sent is encrypted.
Is this secure?
Yes. This process uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to transmit the collected product information data. SSL uses a private key to encrypt data transferred over the SSL connection. You can verify that your transmission is secure by looking for a closed padlock icon in the bottom bar of your browser window or verifying that the address of the displayed page begins with https.
Why does my browser alert me?
When the page containing the ActiveX control is loaded, your browser may prompt you to let you know a control is available. If you click "yes," the control will download. If your browser's security settings are set to disable ActiveX controls, you will be notified that the security settings prevent ActiveX controls from downloading.
Why does my firewall software alert me?
When the page containing the ActiveX control is loaded, your browser may prompt you to let you know a control is available. If you click "yes," the control will download. If your browser's security settings are set to disable ActiveX controls, you will be notified that the security settings prevent ActiveX controls from downloading.