Security company Symantec’s Norton has released the 2012 beta versions of the Norton AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security.
The company said, Norton 2012 betas improve on performance and protection and feature key security enhancements, including the ability to assess the safety and stability of an application before installation.
Both new beta versions are now available for free download from the Norton beta website.
The betas feature Insight 3.0, the latest version of Norton’s security technology, which automatically identifies and blocks new malicious software. Download Insight, which checks every downloaded file for safety before it is allowed to run, has been updated to let users know if a downloaded application is likely to cause stability issues when they install it on their PC.
The betas also include upgraded SONAR 4.0 behavioral protection, which monitors running applications for suspicious behavior to quickly detect and disable previously unknown threats.
The Norton Internet Security beta features a revamped Norton Identity Safe, with a streamlined interface, improved login and form detection technology, and the capability to store passwords in the cloud so they are accessible from any computer with Norton 360 or Norton Internet Security installed.
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Both 2012 betas enable consumers to conserve bandwidth by postponing non-critical Norton activity to a later time, said the company. The betas include an updated user interface, which offers quick access to the Norton Cybercrime Index, alerting consumers to online trouble-spots and potential hazards, including the day’s most dangerous websites, the most hijacked search terms by cybercriminals, as well as top scams, identity theft and spam, it said.
The free tool includes expert news about the most dangerous threat of the day and advice on how to stay safe online.
Norton products engineering vice-president Jens Meggers said the company is committed to arming consumers against cybercrime with the strongest protection possible, without slowing down their computers.
Meggers said, "For the Norton 2012 release, our aim is to continue to raise the bar for both protection and performance."
