Symantec Hoping to Change Home Online Security with the Norton Core

Having been founded in 1982, Symantec knows a thing or two about online security. Every year, new challenges turn up to contend with: different types of malware, viruses, as well as incredibly smart hackers – and then there are companies like Symantec trying to hold back the flood. But now they have a new weapon in their arsenal that could turn the tide, and that's the Norton Core.

Although it might look like some sort of futuristic gadget, the Core is a regular wireless router, but with the added benefit of being a network security device. Symantec's pride and joy can help block cybercriminals trying to gain access to devices connected to your network, as well as identifying vulnerabilities and locking down any threat that might be able to break through the defense. Although, at $279, the Norton Core might be a bit expensive for some, especially as Symantec already offers a cheaper form of protection to cover multiple devices.

However, Symantec's focus on a safe and secure Internet experience doesn't end with the Core. The company's EMEA consumer product specialist, Gareth Lockwood, discussed the importance of having a trustworthy Wi-Fi connection at all times in a recent interview.

"We launched Wi-Fi Privacy a few months back and the rationale behind that was pretty simple," said Lockwood. "We think consumers still lack awareness when it comes to the risk of using public Wi-Fi. We did a Wi-Fi risk report recently and it was quite a revelation to us. It showed that nearly nine in 10 consumers are putting their data and privacy at risk when using public Wi-Fi. In the UK it was something like 65 percent of consumers who think that their personal information is safe when on public Wi-Fi, yet more than half of them can’t tell actually whether the network that they’re on is secure. So as a result we developed Norton Wi-Fi Privacy as a VPN that protects the data that you’re sending and receiving when you’re on public Wi-Fi."
 

With Facebook's 'Find Wi-Fi' feature being rolled out across the globe, Symantec no doubt picked a good time to carefully consider the safety of every Internet user. Although this is a field in a constant state of flux – as nobody knows what type of online security risks will be present tomorrow – it's refreshing to know that there are companies with everyone's best interests at heart. That said, a lot of responsibility still falls on the shoulders of every user, as security risks are heavily reduced if everyone simply remains smart and vigilant. Follow these safety tips if you're unaware of what good internet practice is exactly.