Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe

My Norton

The current Norton product line puts a strong emphasis on making sure customers use all the security features to which they're entitled. To that end, the My Norton dashboard clearly lists the many security components of Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe.

Device Security

Device Security on a Windows device should look familiar to long-time Norton users. A status banner includes statistics such as licenses available and how long since the last scan, while five large button panels represent five major security areas.

Dark Web Monitoring

The top-tier Norton suites include the LifeLock identity-theft mitigation service; the suite reviewed here does not. Even so, users get the benefit of Dark Web Monitoring, powered by LifeLock.

Firewall Settings

Norton's firewall component blocks attacks from outside and ensures that local program don't misuse their access to the internet and network. It handles program control without inflicting popup queries on the user.

Norton Secure VPN

Your Norton subscription includes five licenses for Norton Secure VPN, a significant value.

SafeCam Alert

New since our last review, the SafeCam feature warns user when an app attempts to access the webcam, with an option to allow or deny access.

House Rules

Parents configure the parental control system online, while local agents for Windows, iOS, and Android (but not macOS) enforce the house rules. The system clearly states the house rules, so the kids know what's expected.

Android Security

My Norton makes an appearance on Android devices, naturally. The Mobile Security app offers antivirus and anti-theft protection, along with a large collection of other Android security components.

App Advisor

Norton's unusual App Advisor checks every app that you examine in Google Play and warns of any privacy risks or unusual behavior. A tap on the warning ribbon brings up more detail.

Norton Deluxe on macOS

While it doesn't have all the features of the Windows edition, Norton Deluxe on macOS goes well beyond the basic functions of an antivirus utility.

Device Security for iOS

Installed on iOS, Norton offers VPN, parental control, and a limited security app. The app checks Wi-Fi security, filters malicious and fraudulent sites from web traffic, and (seen here) warns if the operating system is outdated.

About Our Expert

Neil J. Rubenking

Principal Writer, Security

My Experience

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that fateful meeting, I’ve become PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces.

Before my current security gig, I supplied PCMag readers with tips and solutions on using popular applications, operating systems, and programming languages in my "User to User" and "Ask Neil" columns, which began in 1990 and ran for almost 20 years. Along the way, I wrote more than 40 utility articles, as well as Delphi Programming for Dummies and six other books covering DOS, Windows, and programming. I also reviewed thousands of products of all kinds, ranging from early Sierra Online adventure games to AOL’s precursor Q-Link.

In the early 2000s, I turned my focus to security and the growing antivirus industry. After years of working with antivirus, I’m known throughout the security industry as an expert on evaluating antivirus tools. I serve as an advisory board member for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international nonprofit group dedicated to coordinating and improving testing of anti-malware solutions.

The Technology I Use

Much of the testing I do, particularly testing with real-world ransomware, is just plain dangerous. To perform such tests safely, I sequester them inside virtual machines managed by VMWare Workstation. For cross-platform testing, I use a MacBook Air, a Google Pixel 4, and a 6th-generation iPad.

I rely on my Delphi coding skills to create and maintain small applications. These include programs to check whether an antivirus correctly handled the malware it detected, launch dangerous URLs and record the security program’s reaction, and analyze the malware that I collect for use in testing. I also wrote a tiny browser and text editor for use in testing security apps that have predefined reactions for known products.

I do my writing and research on a Dell OptiPlex desktop, relying on Microsoft Word (my fingers know all the shortcuts). Many of my articles include charts and analysis; Excel is my go-to for those. When work hours end, though, I escape the bounds of Microsoft and Windows. There’s an iPhone in my pocket, I relax with my oversized iPad, and my Kindle Oasis is always loaded with the best science fiction and fantasy.

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