Norton Internet Security 2012

Pros 

The Norton Internet Security suite provides extra layers of protection, including security for Android mobile phones, Facebook link scanning and network protection.

Cons 

This is an all-inclusive, powerful internet security suite; however, their test scores fall a bit short of the highest-ranked products.

The Verdict

This security suite rides on the edge of perfection. It goes beyond basic security to provide full-faceted protection. In terms of malware detection, they are one of the best.

Norton Internet Security can protect your computer, family and identity from all directions. It can protect from internet threats, bad links, network intruders and Android mobile phone malware, and it makes sure devices and discs you insert into your system are safe and social media interactions are secure. This internet security suite includes parental controls, a two-way firewall, network monitoring, a silent mode and much more to provide total protection.
We were impressed with all aspects of this suite. It has passed all major third-party tests and in some cases scored in the top 15 percent of security software products. It can even create a bootable recovery disc for you in case your computer gets so infected that you cannot start Windows. In addition, it goes beyond basic website ratings. It can provide you website reports before you click on a site, and it quickly checks file sources and age before you click on potentially hazardous links.

Protection    

Click to Enlarge

Norton has a long list of certifications and awards to back up their internet protection claims. Based on our own tests and third-party tests, we can confidently assert that Norton can protect you from the majority of zero-day and known internet threats. We verified their passing test scores with four independent testing agencies. In fact, the latest AV-Comparatives tests awarded Symantec Norton Internet Security their highest score of 99.3%. Norton Internet Security also passed all AV-Tests in the past two years running Windows XP, Vista and 7. However, similar to many security suites, their removal or repair test scores are less than perfect. AV-Test only awarded them 3 of 6 points for repair in August of 2011. However, in the past two years they averaged 4.8/6 overall, which is comparatively quite high.
This Norton security product includes all the protection tools we were looking to find in an internet security suite. It can protect from the most salient threats such as viruses, rootkits, phishing scams, Trojans, spam, spyware, keyloggers and bad links or files. They also include website ratings and reports, Facebook and IM link scanning, Android mobile phone security, a two-way firewall and network monitoring. If you are the type that likes to click on videos, images or article links that your friends post on Facebook, in emails or in chat conversations then Norton is a good security application for you. It will scan all links before you click on them to verify that they are safe so you can avoid common social media scams and viruses.

Security Features    

Click to Enlarge

Norton has everything from parental controls to pulse updates to network mapping. Their parental control tool will let you create unique profiles for everyone in your family. You can restrict what types of websites your children visit as well as when and how long they can be online. This security suite will also log the websites your children visit so you can know exactly what they are doing online. You can also restrict what applications they have access to so they cannot alter your software settings.
This suite provides numerous scan options. You can schedule scans, block files from scans, limit scans while certain applications (such as games) are running and monitor bandwidth. The bandwidth monitor can detect when you are connected to a 3G or 4G network and limit non-critical updates. This software also has a unique feature called Norton Pulse Updates that runs small updates every five to 15 minutes inconspicuously rather than larger, intrusive updates all at once.
The Norton Internet Security suite includes a password manager and tools to protect your identity and login information. The password manager is called Identity Safe. It can securely store your address, usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and email addresses. It will also automatically enter this information into forms for you so you can bypass keyloggers.

Help & Support    

Click to Enlarge

Should you encounter an internet security threat that you need help with or have a question about your license, Norton is there for you – even if you need help at 2 a.m. This internet security provider offers comprehensive support documentation and readily available support. Norton provides 24/7 support by telephone, email and chat. They also provide extensive documentation. An exhaustive 504-page manual accompanies the Norton Internet Security suite. Online Norton provides downloads, virus and spyware help, a community forum, FAQs and access to paid support services. Professional paid services include spyware and virus removal, PC tuneup and PC Power Boost.

Summary

Norton includes all the tools you need to secure your computer, laptop, network, family and Android mobile devices. They also have the proven ability to quickly identify and block emergent and known threats. Norton Internet Security includes unique tools to provide protection during social networking, chatting or email interactions. The only thing we would like to see improved with this software is its repair ability. Improved repair scores could move this comprehensive suite higher up our review list in the future.