Symantec developing consumer security service for Vista, XP

Symantec Corporation is developing a next generation consumer security service for Windows Vista and Windows XP. Code-named Genesis and scheduled for release in the fall, the new service is a streamlined security solution designed to provide continuous, up-to-date protection. 

Genesis will seamlessly integrate Norton's security and PC tune-up technologies; incorporate online backup, and introduce patent-pending technology for protection from the new-class of Internet threats. These include crimeware, phishing scams and fraudulent websites. 

This new service will protect customers while shopping or banking online. It will employ zero-hour threat technology acquired from Whole Security, Inc, which provides an additional layer of non-signature, behavior-based security specifically looking for malicious code designed to steal personal information.

The new value-add will also provide continuous system protection for Web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging by staying continuously and quietly updated in the background. It can protect resident data by automatically backing up valued digital content. Family photos, financial statements and other important documents could be identified by category to be routinely and automatically backed up by Genesis to an online site.

"Online threats to consumers have expanded from wide-spread nuisance viruses to targeted attacks designed to steal personal confidential information," said Enrique Salem, Senior VP, Products and Solutions, Symantec Corp. "Consumers want a single easy solution that will run in the background and give them the confidence that their favorite data is safely stored, their online transactions are confidential and their PC is tuned for performance. Genesis is the only product a consumer needs."

Genesis is scheduled to be available to consumers this fall under the Norton brand for both the Windows XP and Windows Vista platforms. An ongoing subscription fee will cover all updates and a designated amount of online storage for backup.