A new generation of security software is emerging, characterized by a “Total Protection” mindset. Alongside updated security features, the software from AOL, McAfee, Microsoft, and Symantec promises to offer backup services and anti-phishing tools for users.
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| Source: centurionsoft |
The pricing structure will also be calculated differently, with a new rate plan.
Microsoft was the first to initiate this trend, launching Windows Live OneCare at the end of May, a service that combines a comprehensive suite of antivirus tools, anti-spyware, and a firewall with a user-friendly interface.
Additionally, OneCare allows users to back up data to CD, DVD, and external hard drives. However, with OneCare, users cannot store data online.
Meanwhile, the trial version of McAfee’s Total Protection service also adds a backup feature alongside traditional security functions. Total Protection promises users a virtual hard drive of up to 1 GB. The complete version of this service is expected to officially launch by the end of this summer.
Similarly, McAfee’s competitor, Symantec, plans to unveil Norton 360 in March next year. Norton 360 features an exclusive anti-phishing tool capable of analyzing and dissecting suspected fraudulent sites.
A newcomer, AOL, has also entered the fray by announcing its “total” security service, Total Care. However, if you are not a registered AOL member, you will not have access to this service.
AOL plans to eventually extend Total Care’s coverage to all users, but currently, there is no specific schedule or pricing information available.
In addition to firewalls, anti-spyware, and antivirus (AOL utilizes McAfee’s virus scanning tools), all three new services from AOL, Symantec, and McAfee include various anti-phishing measures. Only Microsoft’s OneCare lacks this defensive layer, possibly because that feature has been integrated into the IE7 browser.
Like IE7, AOL can only block websites that are pre-identified as phishing sites. In contrast, the services from Symantec and McAfee are more advanced, capable of analyzing any website and assessing its safety rating.
However, OneCare has the advantage of price—a crucial factor. This service costs $50 per year for a package covering three computers, while traditional security packages typically exceed $50 for a single computer, not including annual antivirus subscription fees. Each time software updates are released, OneCare performs them for free, whereas traditional services do not.
Chris Swenson, director of the NPD Group, hopes that the upcoming services, Total Protection and Norton 360, will be priced similarly to OneCare, although neither McAfee nor Symantec has disclosed any information.
Clearly, Microsoft’s entry into the security market is shaking things up, and according to Swenson, the biggest beneficiaries are the consumers.
Thien Yi
