Linksys and Symantec bundle security

60 days subs to Norton Internet Security with broadband kit

By John Leyden • Get more from this author

Posted in Telecoms, 14th April 2003 15:54 GMT

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Linksys is to bundle copies of Norton Internet Security 2003 with its entire line of cable/DSL routers sold in Britain.

The full-featured version of the Norton Internet Security 2003 security suite will be offered to Linksys customers during their router installation via set-up software. Norton Internet Security 2003 features protection from viruses, crackers and privacy risks. It includes firewall, parental control and AV tools.

Linksys router customers will receive a 60-day subscription service from Symantec, which will deliver regular updates for virus definitions, firewall rules and the intrusion detection signatures.

Thereafter customers will have to pay a subscription fee.

The aim of the deal is to help punters secure home PCs against the growing tide of security risks, as well as increasing Symantec's reach into the consumer market.

Always-on DSL connection pose a significantly increased security risk. This is well known by the tech savvy, who often use free products like Zone Alarm and Grisoft's AVG anti-virus scanner, for protection.

But that still leaves room for commercial products in the market, and this is where Symantec steps in.

Symantec has OEM deals with PC vendors including Fujitsu-Siemens, Dell, Sony, Gateway and Packard-Bell to bundle its security software on PCs. Normally these come with 90 days subscription to its services.

On the networking side, the deal with Linksys adds to existing agreements with ISP Wanadoo and modem/security software bundling deals with US Robotics and Toshiba. ®

See what The Register's experts have to say on application security