Symantec Helps Educate Consumers About Online Risks With The Symantec Internet Threat Meter

New Resource Backed by Symantec Security Response Provides Up-to-Date Advice for Common Online Activities

CUPERTINO, Calif. - Feb 28, 2006 - Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced the launch of the Symantec Internet Threat Meter. Available at www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice, the free resource provides consumers with up-to-date information on the risk level associated with specific online activities -- e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging, and file-sharing. The Symantec Internet Threat Meter promotes a productive and enjoyable online experience for computer users by ensuring they are aware of the most recent Internet threats and educating them about the steps they can take to safeguard their computers and personal data while online.

While high-profile computer worms are often not as visible in today’s online environment as they have been in the past, Internet threats have changed shape and present even more risks to consumers. Today’s threats spread in many ways -- through websites, instant messaging and e-mail -- but use more silent, targeted methods than before. In addition, Symantec sees many attacks launched with a criminal intent to steal users’ personal data or to take over systems in order to launch targeted attacks that result in financial gain for cybercriminals.

The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by taking an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities -- e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging, and file sharing -- on a low, medium, or high risk level based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks, and spam.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Cyber Security Industry Alliance, more computer users are becoming increasingly insecure about using the Internet. Forty-eight percent of those surveyed avoid making purchases on the Internet because they are afraid their financial information may be stolen. Consumers have clearly taken notice of Internet threats and scams, but there have been few resources they can use to understand what the immediate risks are and what they can do to more safely participate in their favorite online activities. The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps keep consumers informed of the risk levels associated with common online activities and the precautions they can take to protect themselves.

“Consumers should feel confident about their security when they are online, whether they are communicating via e-mail, conducting financial transactions on the Internet, chatting over instant messaging, or sharing files,” said Arthur Wong, vice president of Symantec Security Response and Managed Security Services. “The Symantec Internet Threat Meter provides computer users with an essential resource they can turn to daily for the latest information about online threats. Just as prepared travelers check the weather forecast for their destination city, consumers who are online should also have a tool they can use to help them prepare for a safe and productive experience on the Internet.”

The Symantec Internet Threat Meter pulls from the comprehensive Global Intelligence Network employed by Symantec Security Response, a team of dedicated intrusion experts, security engineers, virus hunters, threat analysts, and global technical support teams that work in tandem to provide extensive coverage for enterprise businesses and consumers. Symantec Security Response provides customers with comprehensive, global, 24x7 Internet security expertise to guard against today’s complex Internet threats.

Backed by Symantec Security Response’s innovative technology, Symantec’s trusted Norton brand has been delivering market-leading Internet security and PC maintenance solutions, such as Norton Internet Security and Norton SystemWorks, to consumers for nearly 20 years.

About Symantec
Symantec is the world leader in providing solutions to help individuals and enterprises assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

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Lori Cross

Product Public Relations

Symantec Corp.

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