Symantec announces Mac OS X Leopard-compatible Norton AntiVirus 11

Symantec Corp. has announced the new Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard-compatible version of Norton AntiVirus, featuring new vulnerability protection technology, which delivers protection where the company says many of today’s attacks occur – through applications connected to the internet.

Norton AntiVirus 11 for Mac also features a sleeker, redesigned user interface and enhanced performance. The software automatically detects and removes viruses in addition to scanning and cleaning downloaded files and e-mail attachments.

Mac users get ‘just-in-time’ security with automatic updates from Symantec, less obtrusive security alerts, and an automatic update in the background, allowing users to conduct their online activities without interruption.

“With this new Leopard-ready version, Symantec is pleased to deliver industry leading protection for the Mac platform. The new vulnerability protection capabilities give our Mac customers an advanced layer of protection where it counts, addressing the shift in today’s attacks,” said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec Corp. “Norton AntiVirus 11 for Mac enables users to enjoy computing without worrying about malicious threats that could lead to identity theft or data loss.”

New to Norton AntiVirus 11 for Mac is an extra layer of protection against attacks that target software vulnerabilities. This signature-based protection prevents threats from infecting systems and deletes and blocks malware and viruses from installing when downloading pictures, music and software.

Norton AntiVirus 11 for Mac scans for both PC and Mac vulnerabilities, viruses and macro viruses. Symantec says this is necessary because even Mac users can be sent a macro virus from a friend or co-worker on a PC. Moreover, Macs may seem ‘immune’ to some threats, but they can still pass malicious code on to other users via e-mail, instant messenger or web links.

Symantec’s Norton Confidential for Macintosh is now also compatible with Mac OS X Leopard and will be available for purchase on select online and retail outlets from mid December.