In today’s digital era, cybersecurity is a top concern for individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. With the ever-evolving landscape of malware, viruses, and other online threats, having a reliable antivirus software is crucial to protect your devices, data, and identity. One of the most popular and well-established antivirus software on the market is Norton. But the question remains, is Norton a good antivirus? In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, performance, pricing, and advantages of Norton antivirus to help you make an informed decision.
History And Evolution Of Norton
Norton, formerly known as Norton by Symantec, has been a household name in the cybersecurity industry for over three decades. Founded in 1990, Symantec was one of the first companies to develop antivirus software. Over the years, Norton has evolved significantly, with major updates and improvements to its technology, features, and user interface.
In 2019, Symantec’s consumer business was acquired by Broadcom, leading to the formation of NortonLifeLock, a new entity dedicated to providing consumer-focused cybersecurity solutions. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Norton’s history, enabling the company to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Key Features Of Norton Antivirus
Norton antivirus offers a wide range of features that cater to diverse user needs and preferences. Some of the key features include:
- Real-time Protection: Norton’s advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities detect and block malicious threats in real-time, protecting your devices from viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
- Multi-Device Support: Norton antivirus supports multiple devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, making it an ideal solution for households or businesses with diverse device ecosystems.
- Password Manager: Norton’s password manager securely stores and manages your login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data, providing an additional layer of protection against identity theft.
- Firewall Protection: Norton’s firewall blocks malicious incoming and outgoing connections, preventing unauthorized access to your devices and data.
- Virus Removal Tool: Norton’s virus removal tool helps detect and eliminate existing malware and viruses on your devices.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-time Protection | Detects and blocks malicious threats in real-time |
| Multi-Device Support | Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms |
| Password Manager | Securely stores and manages login credentials and sensitive data |
Performance And Effectiveness
Norton antivirus has consistently demonstrated excellent performance and effectiveness in detecting and blocking malware and viruses. Independent testing organizations, such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, have evaluated Norton’s capabilities and ranked it among the top antivirus software on the market.
In a recent AV-Test evaluation, Norton antivirus achieved a 100% detection rate for 0-day attacks and a 99.9% detection rate for known malware. These results demonstrate Norton’s ability to provide robust protection against evolving threats.
System Impact And Resource Usage
One of the primary concerns when using antivirus software is system impact and resource usage. Norton antivirus is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing its impact on system performance.
In a recent evaluation, Norton antivirus showed a minimal impact on system performance, with a mere 2.6% increase in CPU usage during a full scan. This indicates that Norton antivirus can provide robust protection without compromising system performance.
Pricing And Plans
Norton antivirus offers a range of plans to cater to diverse user needs and preferences. The plans include:
- Norton Antivirus Plus: This plan provides basic antivirus protection for one device, starting at $19.99 per year.
- Norton 360 Standard: This plan provides comprehensive antivirus protection for up to three devices, starting at $39.99 per year.
- Norton 360 Deluxe: This plan provides premium antivirus protection for up to five devices, starting at $49.99 per year.
- Norton 360 Premium: This plan provides top-tier antivirus protection for up to 10 devices, starting at $59.99 per year.
Discounts And Promotions
Norton antivirus occasionally offers discounts and promotions for new customers. These offers can significantly reduce the overall cost of Norton antivirus, making it an even more attractive option.
Advantages Of Norton Antivirus
Norton antivirus offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among users. Some of the key advantages include:
- Comprehensive Protection: Norton antivirus provides robust protection against malware, viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
- User-Friendly Interface: Norton antivirus features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage your antivirus settings.
- Multi-Device Support: Norton antivirus supports multiple devices, making it an ideal solution for households or businesses with diverse device ecosystems.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Norton antivirus offers 24/7 customer support, providing assistance and guidance whenever you need it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norton antivirus is an excellent choice for users seeking robust protection against evolving threats. With its comprehensive features, excellent performance, and competitive pricing, Norton antivirus is an attractive option for households and businesses alike. While no antivirus software is perfect, Norton’s reputation, reliability, and commitment to innovation make it a top contender in the cybersecurity market.
What Does Norton Antivirus Offer In Terms Of Protection?
Norton antivirus provides a wide range of features that aim to give users comprehensive protection against various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and ransomware. It offers real-time protection that continuously scans the system, detecting and blocking malware before they can cause harm. Additionally, Norton’s antivirus software also includes features such as a firewall that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
The software also includes a password manager, which securely stores and generates unique passwords for all of your online accounts. Furthermore, Norton antivirus offers cloud backup, which allows users to securely store and retrieve their important files in case of data loss or a ransomware attack. The antivirus software is designed to keep users’ devices, personal data, and online transactions safe from various types of cyber threats.
How Does Norton Antivirus Compare To Other Antivirus Software In Terms Of Performance?
Norton antivirus has a reputation for having a significant impact on system performance, particularly during scans and malware removal processes. However, in recent years, Norton has made significant improvements to its software to reduce system resource usage and minimize potential slowdowns. According to various benchmarking tests, Norton antivirus now rivals some of the top-performing antivirus software in terms of system resource usage and overall performance.
While some users may experience a minor impact on system performance, especially during resource-intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming, Norton antivirus generally runs smoothly in the background without causing significant disruptions. Nevertheless, it is recommended to adjust your antivirus settings according to your specific system configuration and usage habits to ensure optimal performance and effectiveness.
Can I Trust Norton With My Personal Data And Online Security?
Norton antivirus has a strong track record of protecting users’ personal data and online security. The company has a strict no-logging policy, which ensures that it does not collect or store any of your personal data. Additionally, Norton antivirus is certified by reputable third-party testing labs, such as AV-TEST and Virus Bulletin, which verify the software’s effectiveness and reliability in detecting and blocking malware.
However, as with any antivirus software, users need to ensure they have installed and configured it correctly to reap the full benefits of its security features. Furthermore, users should also exercise caution when sharing sensitive information online and practicing safe browsing habits. This will help prevent potential cyber threats and minimize the risk of security breaches.
What Are The Different Norton Antivirus Plans Available, And Which One Is Right For Me?
Norton offers various antivirus plans to cater to different needs and budgets. The Norton Antivirus Plus plan is ideal for individuals who want basic protection for their devices, while the Norton 360 plan provides a higher level of protection and additional features such as password management, cloud backup, and a VPN. The Norton 360 with LifeLock plan includes comprehensive identity theft protection.
The choice of plan depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user. If you need protection for multiple devices, including Apple and Android systems, you should opt for Norton 360 or the premium Norton 360 with LifeLock plan. Additionally, users who prioritize comprehensive security features and a user-friendly interface may find the Norton 360 plan to be a good fit. On the other hand, those who require minimal protection may find the Norton Antivirus Plus plan sufficient.
Is It Worth Paying For Norton Antivirus When There Are Free Alternatives Available?
While there are many free antivirus software alternatives available, Norton antivirus offers a high level of protection and additional features that many free options do not provide. While free alternatives may offer basic protection against common malware, they often lack advanced features and full-scale ransomware protection.
Norton antivirus, on the other hand, provides more advanced features, such as comprehensive threat detection and a password manager, which enhance the overall security of your device. Additionally, paid antivirus software often provides regular software updates, technical support, and access to additional security tools that free alternatives may not offer. This makes Norton antivirus a worthwhile investment for users who value advanced protection and peace of mind.
Can I Use Norton Antivirus With Other Security Software On My Device?
While Norton antivirus can be used in conjunction with other security software, it is generally recommended to run only one antivirus software at a time. Running multiple antivirus programs can lead to conflicts and reduce system performance. However, users may still install other security tools, such as VPNs or anti-malware software, alongside Norton antivirus.
When running multiple security software, make sure they do not interfere with each other’s functionality. Also, always follow best practices for installing and configuring multiple security tools to ensure they do not cause potential issues. Users should also verify the compatibility of other security software with Norton antivirus before running them simultaneously.
Can I Cancel My Norton Antivirus Subscription If I’m Not Satisfied With Its Performance?
Norton antivirus offers a money-back guarantee for its users. If you are not satisfied with the performance of Norton antivirus, you can cancel your subscription and receive a full refund. Additionally, users can also contact Norton’s customer support team for help in canceling or changing their subscription if they need assistance.
Before canceling your subscription, it is essential to review Norton’s terms of use and refund policies to understand any applicable requirements or restrictions. If you are experiencing issues with the software, try contacting Norton’s technical support team for help resolving the problem before canceling your subscription.