July 25, 2006

Yahoo, Symantec offer security bundle

Internet security suite protects online users from threats like viruses and spyware

Yahoo, in partnership with Symantec, launched an Internet security software suite dubbed Norton Internet Security and designed to protect online users from threats like viruses and spyware, the companies said Tuesday.

The suite includes Symantec's Norton AntiVirus and Norton Personal Firewall products. Yahoo users can try it out for free for 30 days, after which they can purchase a 12-month subscription for $49.99, which the vendors described as a "special, promotional" price.

Users can download the suite at http://downloads.yahoo.com/security. Yahoo will promote the suite on its Web sites, like its search engine, and on its products, like its browser toolbar.

Yahoo and Symantec have collaborated for years. For example, Yahoo uses Symantec security technology in Yahoo Mail and the companies offer a co-branded browser toolbar.

With this new deal, Yahoo is responding to a similar suite that rival AOL is now testing called Total Care, which includes technology from McAfee, a Symantec competitor.

The deal also increases distribution for Symantec, a timely boost after Microsoft launched its OneCare PC security suite in June. OneCare, which includes antivirus, backup, firewall, antispyware, and PC tuning features, costs $49.95 for an annual subscription covering up to three Windows XP PCs.

Consumers need and want all the help they can get to protect themselves from the dizzying and ever-expanding variety of online dangers. Companies like Yahoo know that providing security services and products helps them retain users and attract new ones. It also encourages users to spend more time online, which is critical to Yahoo's online-advertising based business.

Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts

Subscribe to the Security Central Newsletter

The one-stop resource center for IT professionals.

White Paper

CA Security Management Solutions

A comprehensive security management solution can help you streamline, as well as grow, your current or evolving business. In this way, a strategic security approach can help you increase your competitiveness in these challenging market conditions.

Download now! »

White paper

Beyond Compliance: The Significant Benefits of Log Management

Find out how you can effectively collect, normalize and archive enterprise-wide, security-related data that is invaluable for security investigation and compliance reporting.

Download now! »

Webcast

Integrated Identity Compliance: Enabling Cost-Effective Role-Based Compliance

This session focuses on the intersection of role management and identity compliance, and addresses the importance of identity compliance in enterprise governance and the challenges that organizations may face in achieving it.

View now! »
©1994-2009 Infoworld, Inc.