Welcome to our blog! Today we are delving into a curiosity-arousing topic: Who owns Norton Antivirus? A household name in the realm of cybersecurity, Norton Antivirus has carved a niche for itself in safeguarding our digital landscapes. But, who holds the reins of this cyber protection giant? Follow us as we explore the ownership and evolution of Norton Antivirus. Buckle up for an exciting revelation!
Unraveling the Ownership Behind Norton Antivirus Software
Delving into the intricate web of ownership, our focus today is on one of the most renowned antivirus software in the world, Norton Antivirus Software.
This popular software is owned by an American software company called Symantec Corporation. The Symantec Corporation was founded in 1982 by Gary Hendrix with a National Science Foundation grant. Ever since its inception, it has proven itself as a juggernaut in the field of cybersecurity, excelling at creating digital solutions to resist, detect and remove potential threats.
The crown jewel of Symantec is undoubtedly Norton Antivirus Software, which they introduced in 1990 as a downloadable program to shield computers from viruses. As computing technology has proliferated, the software has evolved, expanding its scope to protect against a wide array of cyber threats.
In 2019, Symantec made a decision to sell its cybersecurity arm, including its Norton and LifeLock businesses. The buyer was none other than Broadcom Inc., an American designer, developer, manufacturer and global supplier of a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. However, due to intense scrutiny from federal regulators, the deal was not successful.
Instead, the Symantec consumer business was later acquired by a private equity firm, Permira, in late 2019. Consequently, NortonLifeLock emerged as a new, standalone, publicly-traded consumer cybersecurity company. To this day, NortonLifeLock continues to provide industry-leading cybersecurity solutions, with Norton Antivirus Software being a centerpiece in their wide range of digital protection offerings.
Who owns Norton?
The software company Norton is owned by a larger American software corporation called Symantec Corporation. Symantec is one of the largest software companies in the world, well-known for creating a range of security, storage, and systems management solutions.
Is Norton Antivirus a company based in China?
No, Norton Antivirus is not a company based in China. It is a product of NortonLifeLock, which was formerly part of Symantec Corporation. The company is based in the United States, specifically in Arizona. NortonLifeLock is a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety, and its antivirus software is used worldwide to provide security and protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.
Is Norton superior to McAfee?
Deciding whether Norton is superior to McAfee depends largely on individual needs, preferences, and the specific functions each software offers. However, there are a few general points worth considering.
In terms of protection, both Norton and McAfee offer high-quality antivirus packages, and both are considered to be among the best options available. They offer full coverage against malware, phishing, spyware, and other security threats.
Norton is often praised for its strong firewall and excellent user interface. It has a slightly higher detection rate for malware than McAfee, and it tends to cause less impact on system performance.
On the other hand, McAfee offers more security-enhancing features and extra utilities in its security suites than Norton. It also provides protection for unlimited devices, which makes it a better option for large families or people with multiple devices.
In customer service, both Norton and McAfee offer 24/7 support, but Norton’s is generally considered to be more efficient, quicker, and better overall.
Price-wise, Norton is usually more expensive than McAfee. But given its slightly superior performance metrics, some users may find this a fair trade-off.
Conclusively, both Norton and McAfee are capable tools with their own strengths and weaknesses. I’d recommend you examine your personal needs, budget, and preferences, and try out the trials of both before making a purchase decision.
Did Norton acquire AVG?
No, Norton did not acquire AVG. These are two separate companies that specialize in antivirus software. AVG was actually acquired by Avast, another leading antivirus software company, in 2016. Norton, on the other hand, is owned by Symantec Corporation. Each of these companies continues to develop and support its own range of software security products.
Who is the current owner of Norton Antivirus?
The current owner of Norton Antivirus is a global cybersecurity organization called NortonLifeLock Inc. Formerly known as Symantec Corporation, NortonLifeLock focuses primarily on cybersecurity software and services.
Has ownership of Norton Antivirus changed over the years?
Yes, the ownership of Norton Antivirus has indeed changed over the years. Originally developed and distributed by Symantec Corporation, Norton Antivirus was one of the most popular antivirus softwares amongst both individual users and businesses for many years.
In 2016, the software and associated business were sold to a consortium led by The Carlyle Group and rebranded as NortonLifeLock Inc. This change in ownership led to some shifts in product strategy and focus, but the core antivirus software remained under the Norton brand.
Then in 2020, NortonLifeLock announced a merger with Czech Republic-based cybersecurity firm Avast, which has resulted in another change of ownership. Today, the merged company operates under NortonLifeLock name, continuing to develop and distribute Norton Antivirus and other cybersecurity products.
When did Norton Antivirus first come into existence and who were its original owners?
Norton Antivirus first came into existence in 1990. It was originally owned and developed by a company called Symantec Corporation.
What major company or companies have stakes in the ownership of Norton Antivirus?
The major company that has stakes in the ownership of Norton Antivirus is NortonLifeLock Inc. Formerly known as Symantec Corporation, it became NortonLifeLock after selling its enterprise-security business to Broadcom Inc. in 2019. Thus, Broadcom Inc. also holds some interests in the broader sphere of Norton’s security software.
Are there any controversies or legal battles related to the ownership of Norton Antivirus?
Norton Antivirus, developed by Symantec Corporation, is one of the most well-known antivirus software that has been used worldwide for many years. However, like any major software product, it has been involved in several controversies and legal battles.
One of the major controversies surrounding Norton Antivirus was in 2012 when James Gross filed a class-action lawsuit against Symantec in California. Gross claimed that Symantec scares customers into buying its software by promoting free scans that always report harmful errors. The lawsuit accuses Symantec of running a “scareware” campaign. Symantec denied these allegations and the case was eventually settled out of court.
In addition to this, Symantec faced criticism over its automatic renewal service. Consumers alleged that they were automatically charged for renewal subscriptions without proper notice or consent. In 2013, Symantec agreed to pay $11 million to settle these allegations, but did not admit to any wrongdoing.
These instances show that while Norton Antivirus is a popular and widely-used software, it has had its share of legal and public image challenges. It’s crucial for potential consumers to do their due diligence when choosing and purchasing such software.
How has the change in ownership affected the evolution of Norton Antivirus over the years?
The evolution of Norton Antivirus has been significantly influenced by its change in ownership over the years. Originally developed and distributed by Symantec Corporation, Norton Antivirus has transformed and grown in many ways since it was acquired by Broadcom Inc. in 2019 and later sold to NortonLifeLock in 2020.
Under Symantec’s ownership, Norton Antivirus was known primarily as a product focused on virus and malware detection and removal. It had a well-established reputation for being one of the most comprehensive antivirus software solutions in the market. The change in ownership to Broadcom signified a big shift in Norton Antivirus’s evolution. Broadcom aimed to integrate the antivirus software into their broader suite of software solutions, focusing more on delivering comprehensive cybersecurity services to businesses.
However, the sale to NortonLifeLock in late 2020 marked another significant shift in Norton Antivirus’s path. NortonLifeLock began shifting the focus towards consumer cybersecurity products and services. This move has seen the integration of identity theft protection services, VPN, and other consumer-centric features into the Norton Antivirus suite.
In conclusion, the change in ownership has significantly impacted the strategic direction, feature development, and market positioning of Norton Antivirus. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of digital threats and the increasing need for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that cater not only to businesses but also to individual consumers.
Can you provide a brief history of the ownership timeline of Norton Antivirus?
Norton Antivirus, a widely recognized antivirus software, has undergone several ownership transitions over the years. Here’s a brief outline of its journey:
1. 1980s – The Birth of Norton: Peter Norton Computing, originally an independent company, developed several DOS utilities including the Norton Utilities which were designed to fix common PC problems. Norton Antivirus was not developed at this time.
2. 1990 – Symantec Acquisition: In 1990, Symantec Corporation, a global leader in cybersecurity software, acquired Peter Norton Computing. This acquisition marked a pivotal transition for the Norton brand, as it was under this new ownership that Norton antivirus was conceived and developed.
3. 1990s – Introduction of Norton Antivirus: Launched as part of Symantec’s utilities package, Norton Antivirus quickly became a major player in the antivirus market. Norton’s innovative technology and regular updates made it a popular choice among consumers and businesses alike.
4. 2014 – Split of Symantec: In 2014, Symantec announced plans to divide into two independent publicly-traded companies, one focused on security and the other on information management. Norton Antivirus remained under the Symantec brand, which continued to focus on security.
5. 2016 – Symantec and Blue Coat Systems Merger: Symantec merged with Blue Coat Systems, a leading provider of advanced web security solutions. As a result of the merger, Norton products benefited from enhanced security features.
6. 2020 – NortonLifeLock: In 2020, after selling its enterprise-security business to Broadcom, Symantec renamed itself as NortonLifeLock. Despite these changes, Norton Antivirus continues to be an integral part of the company’s product offerings.
While Norton Antivirus has experienced multiple transformations, its commitment to providing powerful antivirus solutions remains intact, making it one of the most respected brands in the world of cybersecurity.
