Norton Internet Security

Norton Internet Security, developed by Symantec Corporation, is a discontinued computer program that provides malware protection and removal during a subscription period.

[clarification needed] Norton Internet Security 2000, released January 10, 2000, was Symantec's first foray beyond virus protection and content filters.

Using the firewall, users could determine whether to accept cookies, Java applets, and ActiveX controls on a global or per-site basis.

Testing conducted by PC Magazine using Shields Up and Symantec's Security Check found that the firewall successfully stealthed all ports, hiding the computer from view.

This version included a wizard to simplify firewall setup to accommodate multiple computers sharing an Internet connection.

With this release, Norton could prevent specified personal information from access by a compatible instant messenger client, e-mail, and websites.

This version featured Norton Intrusion Detection, which intercepted suspicious connections and attacks, such as the Code Red worm.

[27] The updated main interface offered green and red indicators to show which features were active and which needed attention.

Following the Nimda and Code Red worms, this version scanned all incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious data exchanges against a routinely updated database, a feature ported from Norton Internet Security 2002 Professional Edition.

The inclusion of a data erasure tool allowed users to delete files while minimizing the chance of recovery.

The product key used to activate a copy of Norton Internet Security ties in with an alphanumeric code based on a computer's hardware configuration.

A tabbed interface allowed users to access the Norton Protection Center and the program settings without separate tray icons and windows open.

Symantec revised Norton Internet Security and made this version more modularized, which reduced the suite's memory usage to 10–15 megabytes and scan times by 30–35 percent.

Attempts to disable the firewall were unsuccessful; registry changes, process termination, and simulated mouse clicks all failed.

[47] CNET identified an issue with the feature: when anti-phishing was disabled, Identity Safe still offered to automatically submit personal information to websites, including phishing sites.

Using several thousand messages, PC Magazine found that Norton marked over 40 percent of valid e-mail as spam.

[52][53] A reduction in memory consumption was made, prompted by the fact 40 percent of people contacting Symantec support had 512 MB of RAM.

This release bundled Norton Safe Web, which identified malicious websites, compatible with Internet Explorer and Firefox.

The third button opened a more advanced and complicated menu, where the user was able to manage settings and access different product features.

Combining the netbook and desktop line, Norton Internet Security integrated Bandwidth metering, which controlled the product's traffic usage and reduces it to minimum if necessary.

Furthermore, the Netbook edition offered complimentary access to Norton's secure online backup and parental control to protect children.

Other features included a firewall, advertisement blocking in the browser, parental controls, and the ability to prevent confidential information from being transmitted outside the computer.

The incorporation of Aladdin Systems' iClean allowed users to purge the browser cache, cookies, and browsing history within Norton's interface.

[94] Another reaction came from Marc Maiffret, chief technical officer and cofounder of eEye Digital Security, "Our customers are paying us for a service, to protect them from all forms of malicious code.

"[96][97] Proponents of Magic Lantern argue the technology would allow law enforcement to efficiently and quickly decrypt messages protected by encryption schemes.

Unlike a predecessor, Carnivore, implementing Magic Lantern does not require physical access to a suspect's computer, which would necessitate a court order.

Dave Cole, Symantec's Vice President & General Manager,[100] acknowledged that users running Norton products were experiencing problems, but said the numbers were small.

[99] Sarah Hicks, Symantec's vice president of consumer product management, voiced concern over Windows Vista 64-bit's PatchGuard feature.

[102] Mike Dalton, European president of McAfee said, "The decision to build a wall around the kernel with the assumption it can't be breached is ridiculous", claiming Microsoft was preventing security vendors from effectively protecting the kernel while promoting its own security product, Windows Live OneCare.

[104] After negotiations and investigations from antitrust regulators, Microsoft decided to allow security vendors access to the kernel by creating special API instructions.