Norton Antivirus

Computers have become intrinsic parts of life. These devices have been part of numerous applications and purposes and have been widely used both for personal, professional, and leisure and business purposes. Computers have become highly essential tools, and these play vital roles for an easier and more convenient life.  The amazing functions and the great benefits delivered by computers can never be underrated. Still, with its rigorous everyday use, there will be inevitable instances that computer devices and the overall computer system will be exposed to risks and threats that can pose negative effects on its performance.

Norton Antivirus Review

The good thing is that there is now antivirus software providing ultimate protection to your computer system. Good antivirus software can safeguard your computer from incoming threats, seeks out, and then destroys all these. This software also warns of more possible threats. There are new viruses that continue to come out, and it is the job of the antivirus program or software to keep up with these latest threats effectively.

Why is Antivirus Important?

As long as computers exist and connected to the internet, the need for reliable, feature-rich antivirus software becomes universal. Antivirus is a highly imperative tool that prevents attacks. This is also an excellent asset to prevent intrusion to computers.

Though not all intrusions to the computer actually cause the stealing of information or damage, this does not completely mean that the attacks are not dangerous. All computer intrusions exploit the vulnerability or weakness of an operating system of a computer or software which can act as access points to possible attacks.

There are instances that even the most harmless of intrusion exploits the vulnerability, and these basically signal others that a computer was infiltrated. This paves the way to worst attacks. If you are planning to purchase antivirus, make sure to buy trusted antivirus software created by reputable makers. This can keep your computers protected and safe from threats.

There might be numerous choices available these days, but Norton managed its way to the top and has convinced numerous computer owners to invest in this software. In fact, numerous individuals now carry out Norton antivirus download and get started with the ultimate protection and Norton security.

Norton Antivirus is an anti-malware or antivirus software product exclusively developed and offered by Semantic Corporation. This is part of the computer security products of Norton Family. This antivirus software makes use of heuristics and logistics in identifying viruses.

Norton Antivirus Background

Symantec launched the very first Norton Antivirus utility in 1991. Norton has become the well-known brand of Symantec ever since. The company recently sold its enterprise business and Symantec brand to Broadcom. The company changed its name, but the product line remains the same.

As the name implies, Norton antimalware and antivirus are mainly about antivirus protections and more other things which include but not limited to spam filtering, full-blown firewall, and hosted online back-ups. The current edition of Norton adds script control, banking protection, and Wi-Fi security. This is proven to be an effective and reliable antivirus software product available these days.

Who Can Use and Benefit from this Security Product?

This Norton highly effective and reliable antivirus is best for:

• Single users
• Mac users
• Minor businesses
• Android device users
• Users looking for reliable and feature-rich virus and malware protection
• Active users of the internet
• Owners of personal computer devices that run on Windows OS

The Key Features of Norton

• One ultimate solution to protect and secure your devices
• Maintains privacy regardless of the device you’re using
• Provides Norton protection against malware, online attacks, and spyware
• Avoid unsafe sites as well as suspicious downloads
• Allows you to move the protection from one device to the other
• Allow you to add protection as you obtain more devices
• Includes a 100% guarantee
• Gives users the freedom to enjoy the internet safely
• Keep your computers ultimately virus-free

This Norton will not be complete if you will not learn about the detailed information about every Norton feature. The following highlights the amazing Norton features that make this security product stand out from the rest:

• Virus Detection

Excellent detection ability is probably one of the biggest advantages of this antivirus software. Norton is noted for its great virus detection rate, particularly with its security versions. Norton users are most impressed with the prevention ability and virus detection.

• Malware Protection

Norton provides three layers of security and protection that include signature matching. The protection is actually strengthened through heuristic analysis wherein it takes control of the behavior of the software and then checks the new programs’ code to be able to detect the unknown malware right before this attacks your device.

Norton also released the newest signature with regular updates, and in case something is found to be dangerous, Norton will fix vulnerabilities then send the signature updates. Norton browser extension features for Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox are also made available to users. These extensions are in charge of checking the destination headers for online packets for possible links with malicious and dangerous websites. Read More about Avira Antivirus

Together with this Norton product, you will get the following:

• Defense from spyware
• Protection from phishing and ransomware
• Protection of the registry file of the system in blocking unauthorized applications’ installations

•  Ransomware Detection

This feature is available in every antivirus version of Norton. This simply means that you can engage in online shopping without worrying about malware stealing or the credentials of your credit cards. Please Read more about ESET antivirus

• Phishing Detection

This is also another crucial Norton features used in keeping away from dangerous websites and emails. Software is capable of detecting suspicious files and links just before this attacks your computer and put your personal information at compromise.

• Security Features

Norton is built around 5 major security features, namely:

• Device Security
• Secure VPN
• Cloud Backup
• Parental Control
• Password Manager

Here are the most detailed descriptions of the above mentioned security features of Norton:

• Device Security

Norton Antivirus is called Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response or SONAR. This utilizes various methods of protecting your computer against malware. This also uses heuristics in analyzing files’ behavior. This simply means that SONAR is capable of detecting zero-day threats or emerging and unknown types of malware.

Norton is recognized as one of the top-performing security products in the market these days and powerful applications as well. This has successfully achieved excellent results in terms of protecting computers against different malware. This instantly quarantined each malicious file and will stop any suspicious process from running. The Norton avoids simulated attempts of encrypting files and transfers the data away from your computer.

• Secure VPN

Virtual Private Network or VPN helps in protecting passwords, personal information, and financial data that usually leave your personal device when you go online and use the net. Using this network is vital, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Norton VPN utilizes a Symantec network that has a strict no-log policy. This simply means Norton does not record your browsing history or your identity when you use the VPN. In such a way, your online activities are kept private.

Aside from these, the online traffic sent via a VPN is also encrypted. Norton makes sure of that. This clearly means that even if a person attempts to intercept your internet traffic, they won’t be able to see what you are doing.

The VPN allows you to hide your real location by means of connecting to the secure servers all over the world; therefore, you can access the online content that is not available in the area you live in. Symantec network is specifically large, and this has servers in more than 30 countries. Another great thing about the Norton VPN is that this allows you to use unlimited data, unlike another antivirus, with a set of data limits in their VPNs.

• Cloud Back Up

The Cloud Back Up feature of Norton provides secure and reliable remote storage to accommodate your confidential and important files. This Cloud Backup is proven convenient, so you can access your files easily using your work or home computer and your phone anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. You will never lose access to your important data even if your computer gets stolen, lost, or damaged.

Aside from convenience, Norton provides cloud storage to safeguard against ransomware. Hackers use ransomware in encrypting your important files and forcing you to settle payments for the safe back up on the Norton servers; This will not be a big deal provided that the originals are encrypted. Just like the other Norton features, the cloud backup is user friendly.

• Parental Control

Quality and reliable parental control software is a beneficial investment for parents, and Norton provides the best controls. When setting up this parental control Norton, you need to create a profile for your child. Norton offers presets for 4 different age groups. The younger kids have more strict controls, while the older ones need a bit more freedom.

Norton also provides more comprehensive customization options. As soon as you set this parental control up in your computer, Norton will prompt you to install the Family app in your kid’s device. Setting up is simple and manageable.

• Password Manager

 The Password Manager of Norton enables you to do the following:

• Generate new and strong passwords
• Stores passwords, usernames, contact details, payment details and text notes using the protected 256-bit AES encryption
• Assess existing password’s strength
• Change passwords automatically in over 60 websites including eBay, Amazon, and Facebook
• Autofill payment information, login details, and addresses as you use and browse the internet

Upon installing Password Manager, Norton can help you create your Password Vault and will instantly tell you how strong your passwords are.

1. Norton Security on Mobile

As you shop, bank, browse online, and engage in online activities on your tablets or smartphones, these can carry lots of your personal details. It is for this reason that mobiles also need security. Cybercriminals are consistent in developing new threats online and can spy information about your location, steal your password, and eventually damage your devices. Norton Mobile Security is an important feature helping you keep your important information on lockdown so you can continue using your mobile device without any worry. Read More About McAfee Antivirus

2.Norton Security on Android

Your Android tablet or smartphone can carry lots of personal information, and these can be prone to online threats. The Norton Security for mobiles helps in delivering effective and powerful protection from stealthy mobile cyber threats and scams for your personal information and Android devices. The Norton Security also covers the following:

• Device Security

This informs you when there are potential vulnerabilities in your operating system. This feature helps you in taking the right action to fully protect your device from cybercriminals who might steal or take control over your personal information.

• Wi-Fi Security

This utilizes advanced scanning that helps in detecting and informing you about unreliable Wi-Fi networks. This also detects those attacked by cybercriminals who eavesdrop in your Wi-Fi connection and glean or steal personal information from the sites you visit, access devices on your networks, and infect them with malware. They can also be using your own internet connection to carry out illegal activities.

• Web Protection Features

These features help in detecting and protecting you against navigation to malicious and fraudulent websites when making use of your highly preferred browser, SMS, email, MMS, and social networking websites.

McAfee versus Norton-A Comprehensive Comparison

In this digital age, it is highly imperative to protect information and data, especially those stored in PC and mobile devices, since numerous intruders are trying to steal these. Having the best antivirus solution helps a lot in protecting your data and your most sensitive information.

Both Norton and McAfee provide reliable antivirus solutions for a longer time period. Both are considered popular in the industry of antivirus. But how do individuals compare them with one another? Even the most affordable antivirus provides vulnerability scanner and optimization tools. Antivirus Plus tends to protect 10 devices with on subscription. We suggest you to go and read more about Bitdefender Antivirus

In this Norton vs. MacAfee comparison, Norton is said to be more expensive than the McAfee. But even with the high cost of Norton, only 5 devices can be protected, whereas; McAfee offers protection to unlimited devices with different OS. But many individuals still decide to opt for Norton because, despite the expensive cost, this displays impressive features and performance.

Security

There is an increasing number of online threats these days despite having to witness and experience technological advancements. But more than they were in the past, online threats continue to increase as modern times go by. Having a major security function is, therefore, vital to protecting your identity and your data online. Accessing added features is highly essential.

McAfee provides 5 range of security products particularly antivirus and depending on the subscription package you choose, you’ll get access to the features such as file shredder 2-way firewall, gaming mode, password manager, parental controls, file encryption, ransomware protection and many added features like system optimizer and anti-spam features.

Norton, on the other hand, gives you access to identity protection, automatic backup, parental controls, password manager, and a 2-way firewall. But there are features such as gaming mode and file encryption that are missing. Therefore, if you’re someone who loves to play games and doesn’t want to be distracted with ads and pop-ups, Norton can be your highly viable option. This antivirus will not disappoint you.

When it comes to feature offerings, McAfee provides a number of highly advanced features but at a lower cost than Norton.

Antivirus Protection

Malware protection offered by McAfee begins with a record scanner matching files and documents with different malware signatures. Furthermore, the heuristic evaluation monitors the behavior of the files and runs the projects in sandboxes to assess what they actually do. Norton’s reliable antivirus software offers the same through the use of heuristic monitoring and file scanner in examining the behavioral changes.

Both Norton and McAfee offer incredible protection from malware and viruses and guarantee an ideal score of 100% in various lab testing outcomes or results. The antivirus can find everything thrown into them, guaranteeing that clients will be defended by all means and all fronts.

McAfee gives two different types of scans to guarantee that the PC is safe from any malware or virus. You can carry out a Quick and Full scan sweep of your devices from landing page or homepage of the antivirus solutions. Aside from this, you’ll additionally obtain McAfee ransomware protection, which isn’t found in Norton’s security products and antivirus solution.

Ransom Guard is also an important feature that copies the files that are being attacked the time it tracks a possible encrypting activity. The files will then be rolled back to their unique original contents the moment the attacks have been successfully completed. Nonetheless, in case you have suffered from a ransomware attack, antivirus solution, the best antivirus solution will help you decrypt files with their “No More Ransom” site.

Protection from ransomware somehow lacks in Norton security solutions, including the antivirus. Norton cannot also scan flash drives in an instant. You’ll need to perform the scan manually, and these can be done together with the other scans through right-clicking this in Windows Explorer.

In case the antivirus puts a substantial burden on your computer assets and making lag in terms of performance, you can utilize the gaming mode to enjoy notification and ad-free gaming experience with the McAfee antivirus.

Options for Scanning

With regard to scanning your PC for malware programs and viruses, there are three distinct kinds of options accessible and available to you in both Norton and McAfee Antivirus solutions. Following are the three examining choices that you can use with both McAfee and Norton solutions:

1. Full Scan

 The option for full scanning analyzes the entire computer system, including all vulnerable applications, running processes, and files that may leave your device, such as a personal computer at serious risks.

2. Quick Scan

 With this quick scan, both the antivirus scans just a part of your system, and that’s the part that is more prone to threats and is compromised easily.

3. Customized Scan

If you think that any of the folders or files could be in danger or at compromise, you can utilize custom scans to guarantee the protection of your information or data.

That being stated, Norton’s full scan function makes an overwhelming effect on your device’s performance, as it requires plenty of resources while making sure that the computer is safeguarded from any malware or virus. On the other hand, McAfee makes use of minimal resources, therefore, resulting in lesser impacts, particularly on performance.

Features

With regards to extra feature offerings like the VPN, Norton offers VPN services to clients and users with Norton Deluxe and Norton Standard packages. You can also use and take advantage of the VPN services with these given packages to effectively connect into the servers from the different countries in the world. This allows you access to limitless bandwidth to watch your top favorite shows and movies in different parts of the world.

McAfee seems to fail to provide these services in its list of features. You, therefore, need VPN solutions that come with your antivirus solution suite, Norton Deluxe, and Standard options are far better choices.

With the Norton exclusive antivirus, you additionally gain access to features such as automatic backup of files and data, which could be retrieved back when necessary. Norton likewise provides identity threats insurance with a portion of its top of the line antivirus security solutions just like the Norton 360 with the LifeLock Ultimate Plus. Be that as it may, you should pay $35 every month to avail of these facilities.

There’s no gaming mode accessible in the Norton security solutions. There’s a silent mode to stop the ads and popups. However, if the need for gaming mode feature, arises, the McAfee antivirus offers this in all their packages.

You additionally gain access to other features like a file shredder and system optimizer, which are not really accessible in Norton. In this way, the type of antivirus you need will rely on the type of features your exactly require.

For example, for active gamers, the McAfee antivirus solution would be the perfect option due to its gaming mode offers. But in case you need a built-in VPN service, then Norton antivirus would be the best. We Have something Very Powerful Antivirus For you {Kaspersky Antivirus}

System Performance

The system negatively the overall performance while running the full Norton scans. Even when it comes to the quick scan, the system’s performance will slow down. So, if you’re a Norton user, you might consider scheduling your full scan at least for hours, preferably if you’re not using the computer system.

When compared with the McAfee antivirus, the effect on performance was moderately low as compared to Norton. That being said, the system will also slow down, but not as much as when it did while utilizing Norton reliable antivirus software.

Both the full and quick scans were finished quicker with the McAfee antivirus and also took minimal time as that of Norton. Moreover, within 35 seconds, the quick scan of the McAfee is capable of scanning about 6500 files.

Aside from this, ensure that you have properly entered gaming mode prior to playing games with other gamers or with friends. As much as possible, don’t schedule scans during this time since it might use plenty of resources in the background resulting in some lag in your own experience. You can’t do so with the Norton. However, you can enter the silent mode to prevent unwanted notifications and popups.

Pricing  

Norton Antivirus Plus is offered at $6 every month or about $60 per year just for one PC or Mac. It provides all antivirus basic, including a password manager, online backup, PC optimization, and firewall.

The Norton 360 Standard is offered at the cost of $8 per month, which is around $80 per year, and this covers one PC, Mac, and iOS and Android devices and including all to access to VPN. On the other hand, Norton 360 Deluxe can be utilized at $10month ($100/month). A 50 GB cloud backup as well as reliable parental control. This offers licenses for 5 devices adding in the list of features featured above.

Life Lock Select, Ultimate Plus can be paid at $15 per month ($150/year) and $25 per month amounting to $250 per year and $35 per month.  Basic McAfee antivirus can be accessed at $40. This offers protection to a single device and features such as file shredder, browser plugins, firewall, and gaming mode.

McAfee Plus can be purchased at $60 per year, and this can be utilized in 10 devices, including Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.

Final Verdict

Norton Antivirus is one of the most popular, reliable, and best value antivirus software that can guarantee you with ultimate computer system protection. Norton’s features are not just mean to protect your device but also to protect you as a user. When it comes to features, performance, virus detection, usability, and advantages offered, this antivirus excels in the field.

FAQs

• Are there free versions of this antivirus?

There are actually free Norton cybersecurity tools for personal computer users but unfortunately no free tools for users of MAC. This comes with a password manager and virus scanner, but there are no free versions of popular products like the Norton 360.

The free tools provided by Norton are very helpful. However, they will not completely secure your device. For the ultimate protection of your devices, you need to at least subscribe to premium plans.

• Is Norton fully compatible with my device or my system?

Norton is actually readily available for Android and iOS, MAC, and Windows users. Windows users should have at least Windows Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or even above properly installed on their personal computers. The users of MAC, on the other hand, need OSx10.7.5 or higher. Users of Android need Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean or even higher versions. Users of iOS might require iOS or even higher versions to be installed properly in their Apple devices.

• Can Norton scan viruses in external hard drives?

Norton does not scan viruses for hard drives and malware threats during a full system scan. Ensure that your external disk is correctly connected to your MAC and PC before doing a full system scan. Scans of external hard drives can be disabled by means of creating the Custom scan.

• What about a full system scan, how long does the scan take?

This mainly depends on the files found in your system. On average, virus scans can be completed in one hour. Nevertheless, if you’ve got a larger amount of data in your system, the scan may take longer. The good thing is that the developers of Norton have created software that can make the subsequent scans faster, skipping those files that were previously scanned and just focus on the newly modified files.