Symantec Helps Educate Consumers About Online Risks With The Symantec Internet Threat Meter

Symantec Helps Educate Consumers About Online Risks With The Symantec Internet Threat Meter

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced the launch of the Symantec Internet Threat Meter. Available at www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice, the free resource provides consumers with up-to-date information on the risk level associated with specific online activities — e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging, and file-sharing. The Symantec Internet Threat Meter promotes a productive and enjoyable online experience for computer users by ensuring they are aware of the most recent Internet threats and educating them about the steps they can take to safeguard their computers and personal data while online.

While high-profile computer worms are often not as visible in today’s online environment as they have been in the past, Internet threats have changed shape and present even more risks to consumers. Today’s threats spread in many ways — through websites, instant messaging and e-mail — but use more silent, targeted methods than before. In addition, Symantec sees many attacks launched with a criminal intent to steal users’ personal data or to take over systems in order to launch targeted attacks that result in financial gain for cybercriminals.

The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by taking an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities — e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging, and file sharing — on a low, medium, or high risk level based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks, and spam.

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