Internet Security Software.

   
Symantec Clear Winner in an eTesting Labs Analysis of Internet Security Software.

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC) today announced that eTesting Labs, an industry leader in Internet and technology testing, conducted a study showing Norton Internet Security 2001 version 3.0 the "clear winner" in an analysis of selected Internet security software products. Besting competitors such as Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Pro and Network Ice BlackICE Defender, Norton Internet Security proved to be the most comprehensive consumer Internet security solution tested. This selection was based on the product providing full firewall functionality, integrated virus protection, protection from Internet privacy exploits and annoyances, and advanced features for configuring application access to the Internet.

"Once again, Norton Internet Security has proven to be the premier security and privacy suite for consumers," said Steve Cullen, senior vice president of Symantec's Consumer and Client Product Delivery. "This analysis continues to demonstrate Symantec's strong market and technology leadership, and highlights the effectiveness of Symantec Internet security solutions in addressing the most critical needs of today's computer users."

eTesting Labs' report was based upon comprehensive analyses and evaluations of the product feature sets, protection capabilities, and performance. The test report stated, "Norton Internet Security provides the strongest mix of security components. It performed well under attack, effectively blocked suspicious IP addresses, and also contains the broadest collection of features for protecting home and small business computers from the intrusions and annoyances of the Internet."

Norton Internet Security demonstrated a seamless integration of virus and privacy protection with strong firewall technology and intrusion protection during the test. Calling such features "increasingly valuable" in defending against the recent upswing in denial of service flooding attacks, the test report singled out Norton Internet Security for its automatic IP address blocking on attack, control of application access to the Internet, clear alerts with threat level assessment, and true detection of port scans. Norton Internet Security also proved to be the only product tested that provided a convenient on-demand scanning tool for detecting and automatically configuring applications requiring access to the Internet.

Support for real-time virus scanning also enabled Norton Internet Security to surpass competitors tested in dealing with the Melissa script-based e-mail virus as well as with the Back Orifice Trojan horse. In addition, its unique privacy control technology -- unavailable in competitors' products tested -- provided control of cookies, Internet ads, and active content and safeguarded the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Norton Internet Security 2001 includes Symantec's award-winning Norton Personal Firewall and Norton AntiVirus as well as Norton Privacy Control in a single, tightly integrated, easy-to-use suite. To view the complete eTesting Labs report visit http://www.etestinglabs.com/main/reports/symantec.asp.

About Symantec

Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of 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 around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products leads the market in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 37 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.

About eTesting Labs

eTesting Labs Inc. (www.etestinglabs.com), a Ziff Davis Media company, leads the industry in Internet and technology testing. In June 2000, ZD Labs changed its name to eTesting Labs to better reflect the breadth of its testing services. Building on Ziff Davis Media's history of leadership in product reviews and benchmark development, eTesting Labs brings independent testing, research, development, and analysis directly to publications, Web sites, vendors, and IT organizations everywhere.

Note to Editors: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Web site. All prices noted are in US dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec, the Symantec logo, AXENT, AXENT Technologies, and the AXENT logo are trademarks or registered trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Symantec Corporation or its subsidiaries. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.