In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, one name stands tall among the rest – Norton Antivirus. With a reputation for providing top-notch protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats, Norton has become a household name. But have you ever wondered what company owns Norton Antivirus? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Norton, its evolution, and the company that owns this iconic security software.
A Brief History of Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus was first introduced in 1991 by Symantec, a company that would later become synonymous with cybersecurity. The brainchild of Peter Norton, a renowned computer programmer and entrepreneur, Norton Antivirus was designed to combat the growing menace of viruses and malware that were plaguing the early computer age. Peter Norton’s vision was to create a robust security solution that would provide users with peace of mind while browsing the internet.
In the early 1990s, Norton Antivirus quickly gained popularity, thanks to its user-friendly interface and effective virus detection capabilities. As the internet continued to grow, so did the threat of cyberattacks, and Norton Antivirus remained at the forefront, continuously updating its software to combat new and emerging threats.
The Rise of Symantec
In 1990, Symantec Corporation was founded by Gary Hendrix, with the goal of developing and marketing software applications for the burgeoning personal computer market. Symantec’s initial focus was on utilities and development tools, but it wasn’t until the acquisition of Peter Norton’s company, Peter Norton Computing, in 1990 that Symantec entered the antivirus market.
The acquisition of Norton Antivirus proved to be a game-changer for Symantec. The company continued to develop and improve the software, expanding its product line to include other security solutions, such as firewall protection and online backup services.
The Company Behind Norton Antivirus: NortonLifeLock
In 2019, Symantec Corporation underwent a significant transformation. The company was acquired by Broadcom Inc., a leading semiconductor and infrastructure software company, in a deal worth $10.7 billion. As part of the acquisition, Broadcom spun off Symantec’s consumer-facing cybersecurity business, including Norton Antivirus, to create a new, independent company – NortonLifeLock.
NortonLifeLock, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is a pure-play consumer cybersecurity company, focused on providing innovative security solutions to individuals and families. The company’s product portfolio includes Norton Antivirus, Norton 360, and Norton Secure VPN, among others.
NortonLifeLock’s Mission and Values
NortonLifeLock’s mission is to empower people to live their digital lives safely and confidently. The company’s values are deeply rooted in its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and community involvement. Some of the key values that drive NortonLifeLock include:
- Protecting people’s digital lives with innovative security solutions
- Providing exceptional customer experiences through personalized support and services
- Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Giving back to the community through philanthropic initiatives and cybersecurity education programs
What Makes Norton Antivirus a Leader in Cybersecurity?
Norton Antivirus has consistently been ranked as one of the top antivirus software solutions by industry experts and reviewers. So, what sets it apart from the competition? Here are some key features that make Norton Antivirus a leader in cybersecurity:
- Advanced Threat Detection: Norton Antivirus uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to detect and block even the most sophisticated malware and viruses.
- Multi-Layered Protection: Norton Antivirus provides multiple layers of protection, including antivirus, antispyware, and antiransomware, to ensure comprehensive security.
- Real-Time Protection: Norton Antivirus offers real-time protection, continuously monitoring your device for potential threats and taking action to prevent infections.
- User-Friendly Interface: Norton Antivirus boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and manage their security.
Awards and Recognition
Norton Antivirus has received numerous awards and recognition from industry experts and reputable testing organizations, including:
- AV-Test Award for Best Protection (2020)
- PC Magazine Editor’s Choice (2020)
- AV-Comparatives Outstanding Product Award (2019)
The Future of Cybersecurity with NortonLifeLock
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, NortonLifeLock remains committed to innovating and improving its security solutions. The company’s focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based security promises to deliver even more effective and efficient protection for users.
In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, NortonLifeLock’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve is reassuring. With Norton Antivirus at the helm, users can rest assured that their digital lives are in good hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norton Antivirus is a legendary security software that has been a staple in the cybersecurity industry for over three decades. The company behind Norton Antivirus, NortonLifeLock, is a leading consumer cybersecurity company, dedicated to providing innovative security solutions to individuals and families. With its rich history, commitment to innovation, and focus on customer satisfaction, NortonLifeLock is poised to continue protecting people’s digital lives for years to come.
Who founded Norton Antivirus?
Norton Antivirus was founded by Peter Norton, a renowned computer programmer and entrepreneur. He founded the company in 1982, and his initial focus was on creating utility software for computers. Over time, the company shifted its focus to security software, and Norton Antivirus was born.
Peter Norton’s vision was to provide users with a robust security solution that could protect their computers from malware, viruses, and other online threats. Under his leadership, the company developed innovative security solutions that quickly gained popularity among computer users. Today, Norton Antivirus is one of the most recognized and trusted security software brands in the world.
Is Norton Antivirus still owned by Peter Norton?
No, Norton Antivirus is no longer owned by Peter Norton. In 1990, Peter Norton sold his company, Peter Norton Computing, to Symantec Corporation for $70 million. Symantec continued to develop and market Norton Antivirus, expanding its features and capabilities over the years.
After the acquisition, Peter Norton maintained a minority stake in the company, but he was no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Today, Symantec is a subsidiary of Broadcom Inc., a leading semiconductor and software company. Despite the changes in ownership, the Norton Antivirus brand continues to be a leading player in the cybersecurity industry.
What is Symantec Corporation?
Symantec Corporation is a leading cybersecurity company that specializes in providing security, storage, and systems management solutions to consumers and businesses. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Symantec is best known for its Norton brand of consumer security software, which includes Norton Antivirus.
In addition to consumer security solutions, Symantec also provides enterprise security solutions to businesses, governments, and other organizations. The company’s portfolio of products and services includes threat protection, information protection, and identity protection solutions. Symantec has a global presence, with operations in over 50 countries and a customer base of over 50 million users.
What is Broadcom Inc.?
Broadcom Inc. is a leading semiconductor and software company that was founded in 1991. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, and is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and supplying a broad range of semiconductor solutions. Broadcom’s products enable the connection of people, devices, and data, and are used in a wide range of applications, including data centers, networking, software, and storage.
In 2019, Broadcom acquired Symantec’s Enterprise Security business, expanding its presence in the cybersecurity market. The acquisition enabled Broadcom to offer a broader range of security solutions to its customers, including threat protection, information protection, and identity protection solutions.
Is Norton Antivirus still a popular security solution?
Yes, Norton Antivirus remains one of the most popular security solutions in the world. The software has a strong brand presence and is trusted by millions of users globally. Norton Antivirus has consistently received high ratings from independent testing labs and reviewers, including AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, and PC Magazine.
Norton Antivirus offers a range of features and protection tools, including antivirus protection, password management, online backup, and performance optimization. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Android devices, making it a versatile security solution for consumers and businesses alike.
What are the key features of Norton Antivirus?
Norton Antivirus offers a range of key features that provide robust protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. Some of the key features include advanced threat detection, real-time protection, password management, online backup, and performance optimization. The software also includes features such as email spam filtering, phishing protection, and social media protection.
Norton Antivirus also offers additional features, such as Norton Safe Web, which blocks dangerous websites and protects users from online scams. The software also includes Norton Identity Safe, which provides password management and generation, and Norton Online Backup, which provides secure online storage for important files.
Is Norton Antivirus compatible with all devices?
Norton Antivirus is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, and Android devices. The software is designed to provide seamless protection across multiple devices, making it an ideal solution for households and businesses with multiple devices.
Norton Antivirus offers flexible subscription options, allowing users to choose the level of protection they need for their devices. The software is also compatible with a range of browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, providing comprehensive protection against online threats.