EarthLink Continues to Leverage Symantec Security Technology; Symantec Security Check Scans Users' Computers for Potential Security Problems

Business Wire, Nov 1, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2000

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC) today announced that Symantec Security Check(TM), a free service that analyzes a user's computer for potential security risks and recommends ways to secure those risks, will be made available to anyone accessing EarthLink's (Nasdaq:ELNK) Web site (www.earthlink.net).

Symantec Security Check will be featured under the Internet Tools section on the EarthLink Web site as well as on member's personal start pages. Users are directed to a co-branded homepage where they can use Symantec Security Check to scan their system. If problems are discovered, they will then have the option to purchase Symantec's Norton Internet Security(TM), Norton Internet Security Family Edition(TM), Norton Personal Firewall(TM) and Norton AntiVirus(TM) products.

"We want our members to know that when they subscribe to EarthLink, they are not only getting one of the most secure connections to the Internet, but we are also providing them the tools they need to make sure their personal computers are protected," said Jon Irwin, executive vice president of Member Experience for EarthLink. "This technology from Symantec is an easy way for our members to stay one step ahead of any potential problem."

"Our main focus here at Symantec is security: from server to desktop and all connections in-between," said Gary Warren, senior vice president, Service Provider Solutions Division, Symantec. "This program with EarthLink will ensure that more consumers have the tools they need to make their systems stronger and safer."

Available free of charge, Symantec Security Check helps ensure that users at all levels of expertise enjoy a safe and productive Internet experience by analyzing the level of protection on their PCs and identifying potential security risks. After determining whether the PC is susceptible to hackers, viruses, and privacy threats, Symantec Security Check provides clear recommendations for protection and pinpoints the most effective and appropriate deterrents. By ensuring that users have an accurate understanding of the current state of their system security, the guesswork typically associated with finding the most appropriate solution is eliminated.

About EarthLink

EarthLink is the nation's second-largest Internet service provider, bringing the magic of the Internet to over 4.5 million individuals and businesses every day. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting, and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities internationally from more than 5,000 points of presence. EarthLink is committed to doing an exceptional job of pleasing its customers, shareholders, and the community by following the company's Core Values and Beliefs. Information about EarthLink services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.

About Symantec

Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, risk management, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management and mobile code detection technologies to customers. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in more than 33 countries.

Forward Looking Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from results expressed or implied by this press release. Such risk factors include, among others: the anticipation of the growth of certain market segments, the positioning of Symantec's products in those segments, the competitive environment in the software industry, general market conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes to operating systems and product strategy by vendors of operating systems, dependence on other products, the importance of new Symantec products, and difficulties experienced in completing the acquisition of Axent Technologies, Inc. and the integration of Axent's and Symantec's respective businesses. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in the Risk Factors sections of the Company's previously filed Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2000 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.

Note to Editors: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Web site.

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