Manila, Philippines -- After bringing to market a unique approach to the fight against cybercrime with the award-winning Norton Internet Security 2010 and Norton AntiVirus 2010, Symantec Corp. unveiled data proving the effectiveness of the powerful new protection model codenamed “Quorum,” now available as part of the Norton 360 version 4.0 beta. The upcoming version of Symantec’s fast and light all-in-one security suite features improvements to PC tuneup, backup and other aspects of the product. Norton 360 beta is Microsoft Windows 7 compatible, as are the recently launched Norton Internet Security 2010 and Norton AntiVirus 2010.

“Basic security is not enough for today’s complex threat landscape,” said Charles Kolodgy, research director of Security Products at IDC. “Consumers are facing an environment of online threats that are fast increasing in number and evolving in scope to put their identities and finances at risk. To maintain their confidence regarding the Internet, consumers are turning to products, such as Norton 360, that provide multiple layers of security protection.”

Introduced last month with the Norton 2010 products, codename “Quorum” uses the unique attributes of a file, such as age, download source, digital signature, and prevalence, to assess its reputation. It also continuously updates a file’s reputation as it changes over time. Since its release, the new protection model is now tracking 70 million unique files, leveraging input from more than 35 million anonymous Norton Community Watch members. In addition, the technology currently identifies one million new files per week.

Leveraging this technology, Symantec has achieved unprecedented results in third-party testing designed to compare the effectiveness of security products against genuine threats consumers might encounter online. In tests conducted by Dennis Technology Labs, an independent UK-based lab that specializes in “real-world” anti-malware testing, Norton Internet Security 2010 powered by the new protection model was the only product out of 10 to achieve a perfect score of 100 percent detection, compared to an average detection rate of 78 percent across all products tested.

In addition to protection and performance, Norton 360 beta includes improvements to the features valued most by consumers, such as PC tuneup and backup. The latest version boasts enhancements designed to save computer users time, improve PC performance and deliver “set and forget” convenience. Consumers can save valuable boot-up time by using the Smart Start-up Manager feature to reduce or stagger start-up applications. For backup users, Norton 360 beta offers the ability to backup up files online, and to restore or access them from anywhere via the Web.

“In the fight against cybercrime, we recognize that consumers need more than just basic protection,” said David Freer, Vice President, Consumer Business Unit, Asia Pacific and Japan, Symantec.. “Our technology’s effectiveness has been battle-tested and proven in the field, and we’re including this new form of security in the Norton 360 beta.”

Norton 360 beta includes additional key features such as the Norton Insight family of technologies and enhanced versions of the recovery tool and Norton Identity Safe. Also included in Norton 360 beta are SONAR 2, sophisticated second-generation behavioural security technology that detects entirely new threats based on their suspicious actions, without the need for traditional fingerprints, and a powerful new enterprise-grade spam blocking engine. Norton 360 beta features Norton Safe Web, a Web site rating service that annotates Google, Yahoo! and Bing.com search results with safety and ecommerce ratings, and an opportunity to try OnlineFamily.Norton, a Web-based service that keeps parents in the loop on their kids’ online lives.

Beta Availability

The beta is available for free public download now at www.norton.com/n360v4beta. Norton beta testers are encouraged to share feedback and discuss their product experiences in our online Norton Public Beta Forum.