Complete Review of Norton Antivirus

#1 Norton Review in 2023

Norton Antivirus, developed by NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec Corporation), is a leading cybersecurity software that provides essential protection against a wide range of online threats. With the increasing prevalence of malware, ransomware, and other malicious software, Norton Antivirus plays a crucial role in safeguarding computers and devices from potential cyber attacks. Norton Antivirus is a part of the Norton 360 suite, which offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity by integrating additional features such as firewall protection, identity theft prevention, secure VPN (Virtual Private Network), password manager, and cloud backup services. This comprehensive package provides users with all-encompassing security to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Introduction

A. Overview of Norton Antivirus:

Norton Antivirus is a renowned and widely-used cybersecurity software developed by NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec Corporation). It is designed to protect computers and other devices from various types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojans, and other online threats. Norton Antivirus is part of the Norton 360 suite, which offers comprehensive security features for both personal and business use.

B. Importance of Norton Antivirus Software for Cybersecurity:

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. However, it also exposes us to numerous cyber threats that can compromise our sensitive data, identity, and even financial well-being. The importance of Norton Antivirus lies in its ability to provide a strong defense against these ever-evolving cyber threats. Some key points highlighting its significance include:

Malware Protection: Norton Antivirus is equipped to detect and remove a wide range of malware, preventing infections that can lead to data loss or system corruption.

Real-time Threat Detection: The software constantly monitors for potential threats in real-time, ensuring proactive protection against new and emerging malware.

Web Browsing Safety: Norton Antivirus safeguards users while they browse the internet by blocking access to malicious websites and preventing phishing attempts.

Email Protection: It scans email attachments and links to prevent the spread of malware through email communications.

Identity Protection: Norton offers features that protect users’ personal information and help prevent identity theft.

Safe Online Transactions: For users who engage in online shopping or banking, Norton provides secure browsing to protect sensitive financial transactions.

Performance Optimization: Apart from security, Norton Antivirus also includes features to optimize device performance by removing unnecessary files and processes.

C. Review

The purpose of this review is to provide an evaluation and assessment of Norton Antivirus software. By examining its features, strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance, readers can make informed decisions about whether Norton Antivirus is the right cybersecurity solution for their needs. Additionally, the review aims to highlight the significance of using reliable antivirus software in today’s digital landscape to protect against cyber threats effectively.

Installation and User Interface of Norton Antivirus

A. Download and Installation Process:

The download and installation process of Norton Antivirus is generally straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the typical installation process:

Download: Users can download Norton Antivirus from the official Norton website or from authorized retailers. The software is available for both Windows and macOS platforms.

Installation Wizard: Once the setup file is downloaded, users can double-click on it to initiate the installation process. The installation wizard will guide users through the setup.

License Agreement: Users will be presented with the End User License Agreement (EULA), which they must read and accept to proceed with the installation.

Product Key: During the installation, users might be prompted to enter a valid product key or sign in with their Norton account if they already have a subscription.

Customization Options: Users may have the option to customize the installation by selecting specific features they want to install or excluding certain components.

Installation Progress: The software will be installed on the user’s computer, and the progress will be displayed on the screen.

Activation: After successful installation, Norton Antivirus will be activated, and users can start using its features to secure their system.

B. System Requirements and Compatibility:

Before installing Norton Antivirus, it’s essential to ensure that the user’s computer meets the minimum system requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the specific version of Norton Antivirus, but some common requirements include:

Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit) / macOS 10.15 and later versions.

Processor: Minimum 1 GHz processor for Windows / Intel-based Mac for macOS.

RAM: Minimum 2 GB for Windows / 4 GB for macOS.

Hard Disk Space: Typically around 500 MB for installation.

Internet Connection: Required for product activation and updates.

C. User-Friendly Interface and Navigation:

Norton Antivirus is known for its user-friendly interface, designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate for users of all experience levels. The software typically features a dashboard that provides a clear overview of the system’s protection status, recent scans, and any detected threats.

Key features such as scanning options, real-time protection settings, and additional tools (e.g., firewall, password manager) are usually accessible through clearly labeled tabs or buttons. The interface often includes informative tooltips and explanations to guide users through various functions and settings.

D. Initial Setup and Configuration:

During the initial setup, Norton Antivirus will perform essential configurations to ensure it functions optimally on the user’s system. Some aspects of the initial setup may include:

Real-Time Protection: Norton Antivirus will enable real-time scanning and threat detection, which continuously monitors the system for any malicious activities.

Scanning Preferences: Users can configure their preferred scanning options, such as quick scans, full system scans, or custom scans of specific files and folders.

Automatic Updates: Norton Antivirus will be set up to receive automatic updates for its virus definitions and security patches to stay up-to-date with the latest threats.

Firewall Settings: If applicable, the software’s firewall may require configuration to allow network traffic and ensure the protection of the user’s internet connection.

User Account and Settings: Users can set up their Norton account to manage their subscription, access additional features, and view security reports.

Malware Detection and Removal

A. Effectiveness of malware detection:

Norton Antivirus is widely regarded for its high effectiveness in malware detection. It employs a combination of signature-based scanning, behavioral analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify and detect various types of malware. Signature-based scanning involves comparing files against an extensive database of known malware signatures, while behavioral analysis focuses on identifying suspicious behaviors that may indicate the presence of new or unknown threats.

B. Real-time scanning capabilities:

Norton Antivirus’s real-time scanning capabilities are a key aspect of its proactive defense against malware. Real-time scanning constantly monitors files, applications, email attachments, and web downloads as they are accessed or executed on the system. If any suspicious activity or potential threat is detected, Norton takes immediate action to quarantine or block the threat before it can cause harm.

C. Quarantine and removal of infected files:

When Norton Antivirus detects malware on a user’s system, it takes swift action to neutralize the threat. The software typically quarantines infected files, isolating them from the rest of the system to prevent further harm. By quarantining malware, Norton ensures that the malicious files are no longer capable of causing harm to the system or spreading to other files.

Once the infected files are quarantined, users have the option to review the threats in the Norton Antivirus interface. From there, they can decide whether to permanently remove the files or restore them if they were mistakenly identified as threats. This user intervention adds an extra layer of control and flexibility to the malware removal process.

D. Performance impact during scans:

Norton Antivirus is designed to be resource-efficient and minimally impact the system’s performance during scans. The software employs various optimization techniques to prioritize essential tasks and minimize resource usage during scans. Users can continue using their devices for most activities with little to no noticeable slowdown during background scans.

Moreover, Norton Antivirus allows users to schedule scans during idle periods or when the system is less likely to be in use. By doing so, it ensures that scans do not interfere with regular computer usage and still provide comprehensive protection against malware.

Web Protection and Browsing Safety

A. Web filtering and blocking malicious sites:

Norton Antivirus offers robust web filtering capabilities to protect users from accessing malicious or potentially harmful websites. When a user attempts to visit a website, the software checks its reputation and content for known threats. If the website is flagged as malicious, phishing, or hosting dangerous content, Norton will block access and display a warning message to the user, informing them of the potential risk.

By filtering out malicious sites in real-time, Norton Antivirus helps prevent users from falling victim to various online threats, such as drive-by downloads, phishing scams, and malware distribution sites.

B. Phishing and fraud protection:

Phishing attacks are a common online threat that aims to deceive users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, to cybercriminals. Norton Antivirus includes advanced phishing protection mechanisms to identify and block phishing websites.

The software uses a combination of real-time analysis and reputation databases to detect and flag suspicious websites that exhibit phishing characteristics. When users encounter such websites, Norton will promptly warn them about the potential risk, reducing the likelihood of falling for phishing scams.

C. Download scanning and safety ratings:

Norton Antivirus extends its protection to downloaded files as well. When a user downloads a file from the internet, whether it’s an email attachment or a file from a website, Norton scans it for malware and other threats before allowing the download to complete. If a threat is detected, Norton will block the download and alert the user.

In addition, Norton Antivirus often includes safety ratings for websites and files. These ratings provide users with valuable information about the trustworthiness and reputation of the websites they visit or the files they download. Users can use these ratings as an additional guide to assess the safety of online resources.

D. Browser extension compatibility:

Norton Antivirus may offer browser extensions or add-ons compatible with popular web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. These extensions enhance web protection and browsing safety by providing an additional layer of security directly within the browser. The compatibility of Norton Antivirus’s browser extensions allows for a seamless and integrated browsing experience while ensuring continuous protection against online threats.

Ransomware Protection

A. Behaviour-based ransomware detection:

Norton Antivirus employs behavior-based ransomware detection to identify and thwart ransomware attacks in real-time. Behavior-based detection involves monitoring the behavior of files and applications on the system. When ransomware attempts to encrypt files or make unauthorized changes to data, it exhibits specific behavioral patterns that differ from regular software activities.

Norton Antivirus’s behavior-based approach allows it to detect ransomware even if the specific ransomware variant’s signature is not yet known. This proactive detection method is crucial in defending against new and emerging ransomware threats, often referred to as zero-day attacks.

B. Ransomware file rollback and recovery:

In the unfortunate event that ransomware successfully encrypts files on a user’s system before being detected, Norton Antivirus may provide file rollback and recovery features. These features are part of the broader Norton 360 suite, which includes additional data protection capabilities.

File Rollback: Norton Antivirus may keep a backup of important files and create restore points. If ransomware encrypts files, users can often use Norton’s file rollback functionality to revert those files to a previously known clean state before the encryption occurred.

Recovery: In some cases, Norton 360 may provide cloud backup solutions, allowing users to store their important files securely in the cloud. If ransomware affects local files, users can recover their encrypted data from the cloud backup after removing the ransomware.

C. Prevention and defense mechanisms:

Regular Signature Updates: Norton Antivirus frequently updates its malware signature database to recognize the latest ransomware variants and threats, ensuring that users are protected against known ransomware strains.

Firewall Protection: Norton’s firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to the system and can block ransomware from communicating with its command-and-control servers.

Heuristic Analysis: Norton uses heuristic analysis to identify potential ransomware behaviors and patterns, enabling the software to detect new or unknown ransomware based on its behavior.

Zero-Day Protection: Norton Antivirus leverages its extensive threat intelligence network to quickly identify and block zero-day ransomware attacks before they can cause significant damage.

Email Security

A. Email scanning and attachment protection:

Norton Antivirus provides robust email scanning and attachment protection to safeguard users from email-borne threats. When users send or receive emails, Norton scans the content, attachments, and links for potential malware, viruses, and other malicious elements. If any suspicious or dangerous content is detected, Norton Antivirus will quarantine or block the email to prevent potential harm to the user’s system.

By offering real-time email scanning and attachment protection, Norton helps users avoid accidentally downloading or interacting with malicious files sent through email, reducing the risk of malware infections and data breaches.

B. Anti-spam and phishing email detection:

Norton Antivirus includes anti-spam and anti-phishing capabilities to combat unwanted and potentially harmful emails. The anti-spam feature filters and identifies spam emails, diverting them away from the user’s inbox to a designated spam folder. This helps users maintain a clutter-free email experience and reduces the chances of falling victim to email-based scams and phishing attempts.

C. Integration with popular email clients:

Norton Antivirus is often designed to seamlessly integrate with popular email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and others. Once integrated, Norton’s email security features work directly within the email client, providing continuous protection while users manage their emails.

The integration ensures that email scanning, attachment protection, anti-spam, and anti-phishing features are active and automatically applied to incoming and outgoing messages. Users can view security status indicators within their email client, identifying which emails have been scanned and verified as safe.

Firewall and Network Protection

A. Firewall capabilities and configuration options:

Norton Antivirus includes a robust firewall that acts as a critical line of defense against unauthorized access and network-based attacks. The firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing users to control and regulate which programs and services can communicate over the network.

Key Firewall Capabilities:

Application Control: The firewall enables users to specify which applications are allowed to access the internet or network resources. It prompts users to grant or deny network access for new or unfamiliar applications.

Port Blocking: Norton’s firewall can block specific network ports commonly used by malicious software to prevent unauthorized access to the system.

Network Profiles: Users can configure different firewall settings for various network profiles, such as home, public, or work networks, providing tailored protection based on the environment.

Stealth Mode: Norton’s firewall includes a stealth mode, which hides the computer from unauthorized scans and probes, making it less visible to potential attackers.

B. Intrusion detection and prevention system:

Norton Antivirus incorporates an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) to detect and defend against various network-based attacks and intrusion attempts. The IDPS actively monitors network traffic for suspicious patterns and behaviors commonly associated with cyber attacks.

Key IDPS Features:

Anomaly Detection: The IDPS analyzes network traffic for unusual patterns, such as port scans or excessive connection attempts, and alerts users when suspicious activities are detected.

Signature-Based Detection: The IDPS uses a database of known attack signatures to identify and block known threats attempting to exploit system vulnerabilities.

Behavioral Analysis: Norton’s IDPS examines network behavior to identify new or unknown threats that might not have known signatures but exhibit malicious behavior.

By integrating IDPS into its security suite, Norton Antivirus offers an additional layer of network protection, safeguarding users against a wide range of potential threats, including port scans, DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, and other network-based exploits.

C. Wi-Fi network security and protection:

Norton Antivirus extends its protection to Wi-Fi networks, ensuring that users’ wireless connections are secure and protected from potential threats.

Wi-Fi Network Security Features:

Encrypted Connections: Norton helps users connect to Wi-Fi networks securely by encrypting data transmitted between their devices and the router.

Wi-Fi Security Advisor: Norton’s Wi-Fi Security Advisor assesses the security level of the connected Wi-Fi network and warns users about potential security risks, such as open networks or weak encryption.

Vulnerability Assessment: Norton scans the Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities and potential security weaknesses, alerting users to any potential risks that could be exploited by attackers.

USB Drive Protection

A. Automatic scanning of USB drives:

Norton Antivirus provides automatic scanning of USB drives when they are connected to a user’s computer. This feature helps ensure that any potential threats present on the USB drive, such as viruses or malware, are detected and blocked before they can infect the user’s system.

Whenever a user connects a USB drive to their computer, Norton Antivirus initiates a quick scan or a full scan (depending on the settings) to check the drive’s contents for any malicious files. If any threats are detected, Norton will prompt the user to take appropriate actions, such as quarantining or removing the infected files.

The automatic scanning of USB drives adds an extra layer of protection to prevent the spread of malware from external devices to the user’s computer.

B. Autorun protection and USB vaccine feature:

Norton Antivirus includes autorun protection to defend against malware that spreads through the autorun feature commonly found on USB drives. The autorun protection feature blocks unauthorized programs from executing automatically when a USB drive is connected to the computer. This prevents certain types of malware from spreading through USB devices and exploiting the autorun functionality to infect the system.

Additionally, Norton Antivirus may include a USB vaccine feature (sometimes referred to as a USB immunization feature). This feature helps protect USB drives from becoming carriers of malware by creating a read-only version of the autorun.inf file on the drive. By making the autorun.inf file read-only, Norton prevents malware from modifying it and using it to propagate to other systems when the infected USB drive is connected.

Performance and Resource Usage

A. Impact on system performance during real-time protection:

Norton Antivirus is designed to have a minimal impact on system performance while providing real-time protection. The software uses advanced optimization techniques to prioritize essential tasks and operate efficiently in the background. During real-time protection, Norton continuously monitors files, applications, and network activity for potential threats, but it does so without causing significant slowdowns or disruptions to the user’s daily activities.

B. Scan time and resource utilization:

The scan time of Norton Antivirus largely depends on the type of scan being conducted and the size of the user’s system. Quick scans, which focus on critical areas of the system, usually complete relatively quickly. On the other hand, full system scans, which examine all files and directories thoroughly, may take longer to complete.

Norton Antivirus is designed to use system resources efficiently during scans. It ensures that scans are performed in a manner that doesn’t cause significant performance degradation. The software uses idle system resources and optimizes its scanning process to minimize the impact on the user’s workflow.

C. Effect on system startup and shutdown times:

Norton Antivirus is designed to load efficiently during system startup and doesn’t significantly impact the time it takes for the computer to start up. The software aims to be ready to protect the system as soon as the operating system is fully loaded.

During system shutdown, Norton Antivirus handles any necessary cleanup processes efficiently to ensure a smooth shutdown experience for users.

Additional Features

A. Parental controls and content filtering:

Norton Antivirus often includes comprehensive parental control features that allow parents to manage and monitor their children’s online activities. With parental controls, users can set up restrictions on websites, applications, and online content based on age-appropriateness. This helps protect children from accessing inappropriate or harmful content and ensures a safer online experience for young users.

B. Secure online banking and payment protection:

Norton Antivirus offers secure online banking and payment protection to safeguard users during financial transactions. This feature typically includes a secure browser extension that provides an encrypted connection while accessing banking or payment websites. It helps protect sensitive financial information from potential keyloggers and other threats that could compromise online transactions.

C. Privacy protection and data shredder:

Norton Antivirus often includes privacy protection features to safeguard users’ personal information and online activities. This may include privacy settings and options to control which personal data is shared with websites and third-party services.

The data shredder feature is designed to securely and permanently delete files from the user’s system, ensuring that no trace of sensitive data remains on the hard drive. This can be useful when disposing of a computer or transferring it to someone else, preventing any potential data recovery by unauthorized individuals.

Updates and Customer Support

A. Frequency and reliability of virus definition updates:

Norton Antivirus typically provides frequent virus definition updates to ensure that the software is equipped to detect and block the latest malware threats effectively. These updates are crucial in keeping the antivirus software up-to-date with emerging threats and new virus signatures.

B. Automatic update settings and options:

Norton Antivirus often offers automatic update settings, allowing users to configure the software to download and install updates automatically. This ensures that users have the latest protection without needing to manually check for updates regularly.

C. Quality of customer support and documentation:

Norton Antivirus aims to provide high-quality customer support through various channels, such as email, phone, and live chat. The quality of customer support can vary based on the user’s location and subscription plan.

Additionally, Norton usually provides comprehensive documentation and knowledge bases to assist users with common issues and questions. The availability of helpful documentation contributes to a smoother and more efficient user experience.

Pricing and Subscription Options

A. Pricing Plans

Norton Antivirus typically offers various subscription plans to cater to different user needs. These plans may vary in terms of features, number of devices covered, and duration of the subscription. Users can choose the plan that best aligns with their requirements and budget.

B. Free vs. Paid Version Features

Norton Antivirus may offer a limited free version with basic protection features. The paid versions, on the other hand, often include additional advanced features such as firewall protection, online banking security, and parental controls. The free version is suitable for basic protection, while the paid versions offer more comprehensive security and additional tools.

C. Value for Money and Affordability

The value for money with Norton Antivirus depends on the user’s specific needs and the level of protection required. Users looking for a well-rounded security solution with additional features such as parental controls, secure online banking, and privacy protection may find the paid versions more beneficial.

Ultimately, the affordability of Norton Antivirus is relative to the user’s budget and the level of protection they seek. Users should consider the features, subscription options, and additional benefits to determine whether Norton Antivirus offers good value for their specific requirements.

Pros and Cons

A. Pros

Comprehensive Protection: Norton Antivirus offers robust protection against a wide range of malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more, ensuring users are well defended against online threats.

Real-time Detection: The software’s real-time scanning and behavior-based detection mechanisms allow it to identify and block new and emerging threats, offering proactive security.

User-Friendly Interface: Norton Antivirus features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible to users of all technical levels.

Additional Features: Norton Antivirus includes valuable additional features such as parental controls, secure online banking protection, privacy protection, and more, enhancing its overall value.

Performance Optimization: The software is designed to have minimal impact on system performance during real-time protection and scans, providing users with a smooth computing experience.

USB Drive Protection: Norton offers automatic scanning of USB drives and autorun protection to safeguard against USB-borne threats.

B. Cons

Price: Some users may find Norton Antivirus to be relatively more expensive compared to other antivirus solutions in the market.

System Requirements: The software’s system requirements may not be suitable for older or less powerful devices, limiting its compatibility with certain computers.

Additional Features in Higher Plans: Some advanced features, such as secure online backup or VPN, may only be available i

Conclusion

Norton Antivirus stands as a reliable and effective cybersecurity solution with a range of strengths. Its comprehensive protection against malware, real-time detection capabilities, and user-friendly interface make it a popular choice for users seeking robust security for their devices.When considering Norton Antivirus, users should weigh its features and performance against their specific needs and budget. It may be particularly suitable for users seeking a well-rounded security solution with advanced features, and who are willing to invest in a reliable antivirus solution.

As with any antivirus software, regular updates and staying vigilant about cybersecurity best practices are essential for maintaining a safe online environment. By combining Norton Antivirus with responsible internet usage, users can bolster their digital security and protect themselves from various online threats.