Symantec declares antivirus ‘dead’ as it focuses on damage control

Engadget ^ | May 6, 2014 5:45:00 PM ET | John Fingas

[Olog-hai]

Given how hard antivirus software makers push you to sign up, you'd think that business was booming. Far from it, according to Symantec’s Brian Dye. He tells the Wall Street Journal that antivirus tools like his company’s Norton suite are effectively “dead.”

The utilities now catch less than half of all attacks, according to the executive—to him, the focus is on minimizing the damage whenever there’s a successful hack or infection. …

[lefty-lie-spy]

So, this means Windows is completely corrupted and there is nothing that can be done about it...? I knew this 25 years ago. This is not good for Microsoft. Now is the time for Apple to make OS X freeware/open source and get the personal computer to where it should be based on the unix technology it runs on that was created in 1969.

[deks]

Researcher cracks Mac in 10 seconds at PWN2OWN, wins $5k

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9129978/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_at_PWN2OWN_wins_5k

[for-q-clinton]

Huh? OSX gets malware to. Quit spreading fud.

[montag813]

Norton just sucks, and they don’t invest $ into it, because why should they? Microsoft’s anti-virus and firewall tools are excellent, and have decimated Symantec’s bottom line.

[dennisw]

Norton just sucks, and they don’t invest $ into it, because why should they? Microsoft’s anti-virus and firewall tools are excellent, and have decimated Symantec’s bottom line.

Microsoft could-would not include antivirus for  a long time due to anti-trust lawsuits such as Netscape. I use the MS antivirus and it works! No complaints! on a personal computer Windows 7 and 8

[Jacquerie]

You beat me to it.

I WILL NEVER PURCHASE MCAFEE. Their renewal marketing is over the top aggressive and irritating. I refused to renew a month ago and still get their popups.

[Fresh Wind]

I will never,ever buy another Symantec product. Period.

[Gaffer]

Sometimes, being the cynic that I am, I think that Virus Software companies fund underground provocateur hackers that perform the “ooga-booga” threat function. Develop a threat virus/malware, etc. that gets a lot of press, doesn’t do a whole lot of damage, but sells a lot of Virus Protection Software. That’s what the cynic in me keeps whispering. That would be a real sleazy trick, wouldn’t it?

[WildWeasel]

Symantec devolved into a pop up like scam due to being a mediocre product.

[driftdiver]

No it means there are 9 pieces of new malware released every second and the antivirus model they use doesnt work.

[driftdiver]

No it means there are 9 pieces of new malware released every second and the antivirus model they use doesnt work.

[central_va]

As a system admin for Unix servers for many years you can make them invulnerable. It takes initiative but it is easy. OTH no matter what you do to a Windows box it will have vulnerabilities.

Without root authority there is very little damage that can be done to the UNIX OS. The virus concept doesn't apply to UNIX.

[central_va]

So, this means Windows is completely corrupted and there is nothing that can be done about it...? I knew this 25 years ago. This is not good for Microsoft. Now is the time for Apple to make OS X freeware/open source and get the personal computer to where it should be based on the unix technology it runs on that was created in 1969.

Good post. The low tech types will not even understand what you are talking about though....

[burghguy]

So help out a non-techy type such as myself. I have Windows Vista and have purchased McAfee antivirus for many years. It takes forever to do its scans and virtually shuts down my computer for half a day. I hate it, but felt it was a necessary evil. Are you saying that the free Microsoft antivirus that comes with the computer is better? I would love to give McAfee the boot.

[central_va]

Use spybot search and destroy instead.
It’s free.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I have been considering booting into a Linux live version whenever I am planning on using my credit card or checking my bank accounts. Every time you boot you are booting into a clean install. That seems to be about as good as you can do from a personal online security standpoint.

[for-q-clinton]

I find Anti-malwarebytes to be the best AV program.

[Gay State Conservative]

I've never fully understood viruses.If it's possible to do so could someone take a minute to explain to me the ways that one can get a virus.I know that you're not supposed to click on any attachments or links contained in emails from unknown sources but are there other dangers as well?