Norton 360

Overview

Norton is one of the most established names in digital security, with a history going back over three decades. Now owned by Gen Digital (formerly Symantec), Norton 360 is the company’s flagship product — a complete security suite built for modern users across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Norton targets a broad audience, from casual users to families and professionals, offering everything from antivirus protection to identity theft monitoring and cloud backups. With over 80 million users globally and a strong reputation in the cybersecurity industry, Norton 360 is considered a premium solution trusted by banks, governments, and individuals alike.

Features & Capabilities

Norton 360 offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing. Its engine uses behavior-based detection and AI to identify new and emerging threats. What sets it apart is its all-in-one suite of tools:

• A secure VPN for anonymous browsing
• Password Manager for storing login credentials safely
• Smart Firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic
• Cloud Backup (starting at 10–50GB, depending on the plan) to protect files from ransomware and hardware failure
• Parental Controls (in Deluxe and higher plans)
• Dark Web Monitoring, which alerts you if your personal info is leaked online

One standout tool is Genie, Norton’s AI-powered scam detection assistant. It helps users spot dangerous messages, links, and websites by analyzing them in real time — ideal for protecting against phishing and social engineering.

Free vs. Paid Versions

Norton does not offer a permanent free version, but it does provide free trials and a 60-day money-back guarantee on
all paid plans. Plans include:

• Standard: Covers 1–3 devices, includes VPN and backup
• Deluxe: Adds parental controls, more backup storage, and covers 5 devices
• LifeLock Select/Premium (U.S. only): Includes identity theft protection with credit monitoring, restoration support, and up to $1 million in insurance

Each tier adds more layers of protection — and for families or users who store sensitive data, the LifeLock tiers
provide the most complete coverage on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely comprehensive security suite
• Excellent malware and ransomware detection rates
• Includes cloud backup, VPN, password manager, and firewall
• Trusted brand with strong customer support
• Identity protection via LifeLock (in U.S. plans)

Cons:

• No fully free version
• Slightly higher price than some competitors
• Some features (like LifeLock) only available in the U.S.
• VPN speed and performance can vary depending on server location

Conclusion & Recommendations

Norton 360 is ideal for users who want one powerful subscription to handle every aspect of security and privacy — from malware defense and secure browsing to identity theft prevention and file backups. While it doesn’t have a free tier, the sheer number of included tools and the peace of mind they offer more than justify the price. Norton is especially strong for families, remote workers, and anyone concerned about identity fraud. If you’re looking for enterprise-level protection in a personal package, Norton 360 remains one of the most complete antivirus solutions available today.