Symantec’s Genesis needs ‘always on’ broadband

Security solutions provider Symantec is developing a new security product for consumers and small businesses. The product, code-named Genesis, is an integrated software application that updates continuously online, says Symantec.

It combines behaviour-based security with antispyware, antivirus, firewall and intrusion prevention technology from Symantec’s Norton product line, according to the company. It also backs up digital content online.

“There is a need for secure online transactions today,” says David Freer, senior director at Symantec Asia Pacific and Japan.

“The threatscape is changing” he continues. “Previously, we were focused on protecting the computer. Now, we are taking it a step further.”

Genesis will protect the user’s identity and online transactions from crimeware — such as Trojan horses and keystroke loggers — phishing and pharming, he says. The application will also detect fraudulent websites through analysis, says Freer.

Genesis has built-in support via email, phone and instant messaging.

“We are moving more and more towards live chat support, because it makes it easier for us to quickly fix the problem,” says Freer.

The lack of broadband in New Zealand is of course a challenge for Symantec and the new product, he says.

“Partnerships with the retail industry are absolutely key in New Zealand,” says Simone Milne, consumer sales manager, Symantec New Zealand.

Here, Genesis will be available from the shop shelves as well as online.

However, subscriptions to online updates and online storage that are part of Genesis might be difficult to sell in New Zealand. Symantec is aware of the problem.

“Dial-up is not the future. If we build products for 50kbit/s connections we will be left behind,” says Freer. “Australia and New Zealand need to catch up with Asia.” Symantec plans to launch Genesis in October.