The Symantec/Norton Thread.

It is indeed one of the lightest security programs I've used no doubt about that.

 

@Mortal Raptor Yes, and it's only a few years ago that Norton/Symantec products were still causing big slowdowns on some systems.

I installed NOD32 a few days, and it made my system run much slower, whereas I barely notice Norton.

 

It is light. For anybody that experienced Norton in the bloated days.... it's hard to believe.

While scanning and while installing updates, there is some slowdown. While it can be annoying in the moment, it's not significant at all in the context of the overall user experience.

From a guy who has tested most of what's out there in AV-land, this is a high compliment.

And a compliment from another guy who have 'been around the block' with a number of AVs.


Norton is doing well right now.


-Frank

 

It is a huge turnaround. I remember about 5 years, doing a clean install of Windows on a high end laptop after replacing a faulty hard drive. When I installed Norton 360, it caused massive performance issues. This was on a clean install of Windows 7 on a computer with a fast processor and plenty of RAM, so the hardware could not be blamed for the slowness. Even just two years ago, I had to fix a laptop with performance issues, and after doing extensive testing, Norton 360 (I verified that it was the latest version) turned out to be the cause, and uninstalling it made the computer run a lot faster.

 

Not only a compliment, a real world experience from a d00d has has tried almost every AV under the sun extensively. Norton and NOD32 are the only licenses I now keep. Rest were all refunded or let them expire as they were almost expired anyway.

 

Remember back in the day, any computer which had McAfee or Norton, that would be the first performance issue, to uninstall it and let the computer breathe? Ever since 2009 with the introduction of Norton Antivirus Gamer's Edition things have started getting better and better for Symantec until now they have finally mastered the performance and protection aspect of the product. Why do I use NOD32 vs Norton when I have a license for both? Simple, I kinda prefer NOD32's interface with no bloat like Identity Safe, Norton Toolbar, etc. I know how to disable them but still. I would always recommend it to clients and members alike.

 

Currently running Norton Security with Backup (even though I don't use the backup I couldn't pass up the 10 license deal) alongside MBAM Premium and it is extremely lightweight like everyone else mentions. Interesting test results there though. Do you think it's a good idea to run Norton Security, MBAM Premium and HMPA3 at the same time or would that be too much overlap/potential conflict?

 

That is exactly what I'm running on my 2 machines now and would feel naked without any one of them.

 

I have found an annoying issue wit NIS 2014. There appears to be no way to view the list of potential threats you have excluded, in the case that you want to remove an item from the list so that it is detected again. Any items I have excluded are not shown in any of the exclude options in the Antivirus and SONAR Exclusions section of the Computer settings page.

This is a serious flaw, which it seems that others have experienced too.

There was a file I excluded which I later wanted to be detected again. At least when I tried to execute it, Kerish Doctor identified it as a threat and prevented it from running.

 

Roger,

In N360 and NS / NSwB you can go to Items to Exclude from Scans > Configure and edit or remove items. I haven't used NIS for years so I'm not sure where it is located but I am sure you can do the same with NIS.

 

@Krusty13 I did that, but it only shows the default item which is the System Restore folder "\System Volume Information\", even though I have added several files to the exclude list via the option to add them to the list when restoring files from quarantine. The files I have added to the exclude list are excluded from scans, so they were definitely added despite not being shown.

 

HMPA3 attacks in a different way. MBAM works well with others... Agree, with Krusty, sounds like a good combo to me. You should be well protected.

 

I agree as well, as I am also running this combo.

 

Are there any recommended settings for Norton Security 2015? I am currently running default everything.

 

Under AV Auto Protect - I turn on Boot Time Protection-set at Aggressive: Turn on "Turn On Early Malware Detection;
Under Scan and Risks tab I set Low Risks to Ask Me (sometimes can catch a PUP that way)

I have no idea if these are right, but that's what I do-I also turn off the automated maintenance tasks and Idle time Optimizer (I use other programs for maintenance and use another defrag/optimizer program.)

I also turn off Performance Monitoring as it generates too many uneeded warnings re:CPU warnings on my PC, and I turn off "Network Awareness" since I have a large Bandwidth Usage Cap from my ISP (I have no idea if this improves protection in any way).

There used to be two settings that were important that should be turned on, but I see now those have been changed to On by Default.

I am sure you will be getting other recommendations,

Mayahana will likely have a few. (Mayahana has developed a respected reputation on all things Symantec/Norton since he is an End-Point Pro with a lot of working experience with Symantec Products and others.)

Krusty13 is also highly knowledgeable about NS 2015.

I'd listen to any recs. they make.

 

I wouldn't run HMPA with Norton 2015, mostly because dialed up, Norton is one of the most potent anti-exploit products in the world. Although they use different systems, I wouldn't risk it personally. MBAM would be fine with it, but possibly redundant, as the Download Insight+Sonar+Reputation should keep all 'extra' junk off of a machine. But you would be VERY well protected with both I should think. Recommended settings, I don't have it in front of me, but I turn off the junk, and on the AV settings area I slide everything to always/aggressive, Low Risk ON w/delete, etc. I'd have to check the exact ones, but I find notching things up really makes it protect a system.

It's ironic.. 10 years since I touched Norton, vowing never to touch that bloated, virus like crap ever again, and now I find 2015 version to be a competent, almost perfect solution with excellent technologies, and light as a feather. Norton is my short list of what I recommend to friends/family these days.

 

Thanks guys.

Hawki - Not seeing Turn on "Turn On Early Malware Detection" Is that valid for 2015?

 

You need W8 as this option is available only on Windows 8 or later.

 

Thanks!

 

Hello,

Can anybody please explain about Norton Security e-mail scanning capabilities? If I understand correctly, it doesn't scan IMAP ports nor SSL encrypted mails. Is that correct?

Thank you.

 

Default 25 and 110 ... non SSL see if this helps here

 

7Tutorials Norton Security 2015 Review

 

I'm pretty disappointed with its lack of ability to deal with IMAP accounts, since that is all that I use.

 

I don't miss it, it's a bloat feature in my opinion.

 

Not too flattering....