How Norton AntiVirus Protects My Computer

This page is for a historical reference only as the old Norton AntiVirus has been replaced by Norton AntiVirus Plus. In addition, the other replacement option for it is Norton 360.

How Norton AntiVirus Protects My Computer

Most computer experts agree that having multiple layers of security is the best protection against the multiple threats that exist in cyberspace. Even when a Windows user updates their security through their free patches, Microsoft will warn them if there is no antivirus software on their computer and recommend they use it.

One of the most well known, well respected antivirus protection software programs on the market today is Norton AntiVirus software. Here are the features of Norton AntiVirus that help give a computer the strong protection it needs.

 

Fast protection

One of the biggest complaints about running antivirus software is that it becomes such a drain on a computer’s resources that it makes everyday computing a hassle. This is especially true now that many people use their computers to watch movies online, download music, and play online games. However, Norton AntiVirus operates so that this doesn’t happen. Here’s how:

• Norton Insight – Most antivirus software scans every file on a computer and every one coming in and going out. However, Norton AntiVirus scans only the files that have red flags, making it the industry standard for scan speeds.
• Silent mode – Alerts and non critical updates are delayed any time a computer is being used to watch videos or during online gaming.
• Smart scheduler – For the times when large updates and deep scans are necessary, Norton AntiVirus waits until the compute is not in use.
• Proactive performance alerts – When applications begin to affect the computer’s performance, Norton AntiVirus alerts the user so changes can be made.
• Norton System Insight – This educational tool shows a computer user how various functions and applications may be affecting performance.

Pre-emptive protection

Not all antivirus software is created equal. While most will protect against known threats, Norton AntiVirus has the ability to detect threats against a computer before it appears on any watch lists.

• SONAR Behavioral Protection – The Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response looks for clues to see if a file behaves suspiciously. With most antivirus software, only the physical attributes of a file are scanned in order to determine if it’s good or bad.
• Norton Reputation Service – Instead of only determining if a file is good or bad by matching it against a list of known threats, the Norton Reputation Services will scan a file to look for where it was created and by what source to determine its threat level. This system not only helps with pre-emptive protection, but also the speed in which it scans.

Malware protection

Most people look for antivirus protection to block malware, or files and programs that can cause damage to a computer. Here is what Norton Antivirus can help prevent:

• Viruses – Computer viruses are self-replicating programs can bog down or even destroy a computer. These usually come attached to a file that needs to be executed for the virus to work.
• Worms – Worms are programs that travel along networks to bog them down, but they can also carry other forms of malware as a payload that can damage computers.
• Spyware – Any program that can be used to collect data unknowingly from a target computer is known as spyware.
• Adware – Adware is malware that produces unwanted advertising onto a computer, whether it’s a pop-up ad or replacing honest advertising on a Web site.
• Rootkits – Rootkits allow cybercriminals to remotely take over control of a computer by depositing this malware deep into the operating system software of the target.
• Bots - Bots infect computers so they can be organized into networks called botnets. Such networks of computers are controlled by cybercriminals over the Internet and used for various illegal operations that usually have financial gain as a final goal.

Multiple application scans

One of the most important ways Norton AntiVirus protects a computer is by scanning multiple applications that can bring in malware. This important, as there are numerous ways that malware can travel into a computer. Here are some of the ways that Norton AntiVirus plugs the holes:

• Norton Download Insight – In the course of downloading a file, whether from an e-mail or from a Web site, Norton Download Insight can detect any irregularities and warn the user if there is a problem. There are dangerous free software downloads out there.
• Vulnerability protection – Vulnerabilities are the weak points in a computer through which cybercriminals can enter and either deposit malware or take over the target. Norton AntiVirus can prevent these intrusive attacks through weak points in operating system software.
• Instant message and e-mail monitoring – Most people invite malware onto their computer through e-mails and instant messages. Norton AntiVirus can warn subscribers when malware is sent through these types of programs. Instant messaging security is an important part of overall protection.

Customer Service

Norton AntiVirus also keeps their subscribers protected through the following benefits:

• Norton Ongoing Protection – This feature searches for and downloads important software patches and updates.
• Free 24-hour support – NortonLifeLock offers 24-7 free customer support for its subscribers. It is important to keep the subscription valid.
• Norton Control Center – This is a user-friendly control panel where a subscriber can use their Norton AntiVirus features.
• Norton Bootable Recovery Tool – Norton AntiVirus can create a personalized recovery tool on a data or storage disk which will allow even the worst-case computers recover from attacks.

With all of these protections combined, Norton AntiVirus offers the most comprehensive protection against the latest threats.

 

 

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