Norton was originally a suite of utility software for IBM DOS,[1] expanded into user guides for IBM DOS and then utilities and guides for Microsoft DOS in 1982, and eventually Microsoft Windows. After acquiring Norton Computing in 1989, Symantec merged their anti-virus software into the Norton package and rebranded it as Norton AntiVirus which was released in 1991.
In 2014 Symantec separated their business into two units. One was focused on security, and the other was focused on information management; Norton was placed in the unit focused on security.[2] Symantec was renamed to NortonLifeLock in 2019 following Broadcom’s acquisition of its enterprise division.[3]
The company was acquired by Symantec in 1990. Symantec's consumer antivirus and data management utilities are still marketed under the Norton name.[6]
In early 1991 Symantec's Norton Computer Group launched Norton AntiVirus 1.0 for computers. The company updated and diversified its product line until combining its offerings into one seamless product, Norton Security.[7]> Ads for the product, with suggested retail $129, featured Norton in his crossed-arm pose from the user guides, wearing a pink shirt and surgical mask covering his nose and mouth.
In the 1990s, Norton provided software to check computer systems for Y2K compliance.[8] In 2019, Symantec was renamed to NortonLifeLock following Broadcom’s acquisition of its enterprise division,[3] leading to the combination of the Norton 360 suite with the LifeLock identity threat protection offering, which was purchased by Symantec in 2017.[9]
In 2019, Norton 360 was reintroduced, replacing Norton Security and adding privacy features including a VPN and identity theft protection services alongside its traditional antivirus features.[10]
Norton software is licensed to consumers. The brand's primary product is Norton 360, available in multiple editions.[13] Norton 360 Standard Edition includes real-time threat protection, Norton's Secure VPN, cloud backup, a password manager, and a smart firewall. A mobile version of the software is also available.[14] Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton 360 Advanced editions also add parental controls and digital identity features including dark web monitoring for leaks of personal information.[15]
Norton also offers its traditional antivirus software, Norton AntiVirus Plus, as a standalone service, as well as separate subscriptions for Norton AntiTrack, Norton Secure VPN, and Norton Identity Advisor Plus.[16] Other services, including PC tune-up and optimization software, are also available as separate offerings.[17]
In January 2022, several users brought to light an issue with a hidden backdoorcrypto-mining tool in the Norton 360 security software suite.[18] Following the report in media Norton highlighted the procedure for uninstalling the product from their computer.
Awards
2022 - Norton 360 was awarded Best Protection (Windows), Best Android Security Product, and Best MacOS Security Product by AV-TEST[19]
2022 - Norton 360 was won AV-Comparatives's Gold Award for Malware Protection[20]
2023 - SE Labs recognized Norton 360 as the Best Home Anti-Malware Solution in their annual report.[21]
In November 2023, Norton 360 Deluxe maintained the PCMag Editors’ Choice award and “Excellent” rating.[22]
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