Mother and daughter embracing at home.

Award-Winning Antivirus Software

Norton AntiVirus Plus gives you multi-layered virus and malware protection, plus 24x7Δ member support.

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Get Norton AntiVirus Plus for powerful protection against viruses, malware and other online threats.

Free Trials

Get a free trial of Norton protection for PC, Mac, Android or iOS.

Business people using technology in office.
How Antivirus Works

How do antivirus apps and antivirus software work?

Antivirus scans and helps remove viruses and malware files that enter a computer, tablet or smartphone. Norton AntiVirus technology uses machine learning to determine if a file is good or bad, and can do so even if it’s the first time seeing that file.

 

Norton protection also uses “emulation” (running each file in a lightweight virtual machine) to cause online threats to reveal themselves – this happens in milliseconds as you double-click on files on your desktop. File signature data is now stored in the cloud, and Norton protection has undergone hundreds of optimizations on the antivirus engine to minimize impacting the user experience.

Malware Protection

Norton security technology includes multiple defenses against viruses and malware. Our technology is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and we are part of one of the world’s largest civilian cyber intelligence networks. Our protection includes:

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Analyzes information arriving from a network (like the Internet) and helps block potential online threats before they hit your computer.

PC, Mac

AntiVirus with Advanced Machine Learning 

Scans and helps remove malware files that enter a device, using emulation to test and see what files do, and machine learning.

PC, Mac, Android

Reputation Protection (Insight)

Uses the reputation information gathered from our global network to classify software application files on their attributes.

PC

Behavioral Protection

Uses artificial intelligence to classify applications based on behavior, and automatically helps block applications that display suspicious behavior.

PC

Proactive Exploit Protection (PEP)

Helps protect against ‘zero-day’ attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in applications or the operating system.

PC

Power Eraser

Helps detect and lets you remove high-risk applications and malware that may be residing on your computer.

PC

Woman drinking coffee and using laptop at home

How do you know if you have malware?

Some types of malware “announce” themselves, while others can hide on your device

Unlike the old days, when malware like viruses often announced themselves by displaying messages or by giving your computer the “blue screen of death,” many types of malware today can hide without producing any tell-tale symptoms of an infection. Just as different types of software perform different functions, so different types of malware can perform different jobs, whether they make themselves apparent or run on your device while hiding in the background. 

Malware that you might not realize is on your device could be capturing data as you log into online accounts, finding valuable personal information stored on your device, or even turning on your webcam without your permission. This is why it’s so important to have antivirus software that recognizes and helps remove malicious software.

While many types of malware try to remain unseen, in addition to keeping up-to-date security software on your device, you can be on the lookout for some red flags that might indicate a malware infection: 

  • Your device slows down or gets glitchy
  • Pop-up windows appear when you’re surfing
  • Friends tell you they got a suspicious email from you that you definitely didn’t send
  • Your smartphone battery drains quickly, or shows call/text messages you didn’t send
  • Your data usage has spiked
Small business owner using technology.

How does malware put your computer at risk?

What do you do online that can expose your personal or financial information? What don’t you do online these days?

A virus doesn’t mean your computer has caught a cold. Malware can give cybercriminals access to your personal information. These days, we do many things online. Defending against malware means defending against stolen login credentials, stolen personal information, and the risk of personal information loss due to such things.

  • Entering log-in credentials
    Some types of malware can give cybercriminals access to your usernames and passwords for accounts like your bank, online shopping, credit card accounts or email.
  • Entering financial data
    Some malware can enable cybercriminals to obtain your credit card numbers or payment account information when you enter them online.
  • Access to email to reset passwords
    If a cybercriminal can access your email account, they could then reset the accounts that you have connected to that email address. 

Viruses and Malware

What does Norton antivirus and security software help protect against? Today’s online threats go well beyond just viruses. AntiVirus and malware protection from Norton LifeLock helps defend against all kinds of online threats, such as:

Viruses

Norton protection helps block harmful software that replicates itself and spreads itself to other devices.

Worms

Norton protection helps block malware that replicates itself without using a host file (unlike viruses, who use a file).

Malware

Norton protection has defenses for various types of malicious software, including viruses, Trojans, worms, etc.

Ransomware

Norton protection helps protect against malware that encrypts a computer’s contents and then demands a ransom to restore them.

Spyware

Norton protection detects software that tracks and sends personally identifiable information or confidential information to third parties.

Adware

Norton protection helps block malware that’s designed to display unwanted advertisements.

Malvertising

Norton protection detects when malware is hidden behind online ads.

Trojan horse

Norton protection helps block Trojans that appear to be something they are not, often containing a backdoor component for future access.

Phishing

Norton protection has tools to detect phishing attempts, which are seemingly safe links that take users to malicious sites that gather personal data and login credentials, and can be found within websites, emails or even ads.

Pharming

Similar to phishing attacks, Norton protection detects pharming attacks that redirect users from a legitimate site to a malicious one.

Browser hijacker

Norton protection helps protect your browser against malware that changes your browser's settings, or re-directs your web traffic.

Rootkit

Norton protection helps protect against rookits that can enable an unauthorized user to gain control of a computer system without being detected.

Unwanted browser extensions

Norton Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) helps block malicious traffic caused by browser extensions.

Banking Trojans

Norton protection helps block and remove trojans that are known to target banking sessions.

Coin-miner

Norton protection helps block malware that uses someone else’s computing resources to run a coin mining script without the user’s consent (e.g. cryptojacking).

Downloader

Norton protection helps block online threats that call their C&C (command and control center) in order to download additional malicious payloads.

Exploits

Norton protection helps block specific techniques that are abused by malware to exploit a security vulnerability.

Fileless threats

Modern online threats leave no traces in file system by leveraging scripts and in-memory execution. Norton protection detects and helps remove them.

Formjacking attack

Norton protection helps block attempts to steal credit cards at online checkout.

Keyloggers

Norton protection helps stop online threats that attempt to steal keystrokes that you type, like when you enter your username and password for online accounts.

Man-in-the-middle browser attacks

Norton protection detects malware that hijacks a web session.

PUAs

(Potentially Unwanted Applications): Norton protection detects browser extensions or apps that are known to cause issues and uninstalls them.

Script-based attacks

(JavaScript, VBA, VBS, Powershell): Modern online threats use scripting languages instead of using files that are executables. Norton protection detects and helps block such attacks.

Social Networking Scam

Norton protection helps block like-jacking on Facebook, a type of clickjacking where your like actually clicks on something malicious hidden in the background, which could then be promoted to your friends.

Tech Support Scam

Norton protection helps block websites that mimic official support of organizations.

Protection for phishing and online scams applies only to devices on which Norton 360 is installed. Reimbursement does not apply to identity theft loss resulting, directly or indirectly, from phishing or scams.

Virus Removal

Think you have a virus? Try these tools:

Clean

Use our free virus removal tool, Norton Power Eraser, to help remove malware on your PC.

Protect

Install up-to-date security software like Norton AntiVirus Plus to help scan and protect your devices from viruses.

Need help? Member Services and Support can assist.

Free Antivirus

How do free antivirus programs compare? Is free antivirus safe?

It’s often said, “you get what you pay for.” The best value in antivirus software is a solution from a trusted provider that offers robust, effective virus and malware protection technology backed by readily available support experts who can help you when you need it.

Support

With a Norton subscription, support is included, so you get cutting edge antivirus and security technology, plus support when you need it. You might say that with a Norton subscription, you get what you pay for, and a whole lot more. 

60-Day Money Back Guarantee

Norton AntiVirus Plus and Norton 360 plans come with a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee* for annual subscriptions.

*Terms apply. For cancellation, return and refund information, please visit the Return Policy.

Father working in kitchen with daughter.

Antivirus for Windows®

Antivirus software for Windows computers

Norton was one of the first antivirus solutions for Windows computers, and we’ve been innovating for decades to develop new ways to help protect PCs. Today, the antivirus protection in Norton solutions uses advanced machine learning and emulation to determine whether files are good or bad, but Norton device security also has more ways to help protect your computer beyond antivirus. 

Protection for PCs starts at the network-level, with Intrusion Prevention working together with the Smart Firewall to analyze network traffic and help block potential online threats before they get on your computer.

The technology that powers Norton protection for PC uses Reputation Protection (Insight) to analyze reputation data, a tool that uses the reputation information gathered from our global network to classify software application files. It includes Behavioral Protection to monitor and help block applications that exhibit suspicious behavior, also based on the learnings from our huge trove of data, and tools to help protect against “zero-day” attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in applications or the operating system. 

Learn more

Woman home office with laptop.

Antivirus for Mac®

The myth that Mac computers are immune to viruses and malware is simply not true.

Mac computers can get viruses and need file-based antivirus protection. Additionally, they need the other layers of protection offered in a device security software suite such as Firewall, Intrusion Prevention and Anti-phishing Protection.

We have been helping to protect Mac computers for decades. Today, our advanced security and 24-hour threat monitoring across the globe work to outsmart cybercriminals and help stop the latest attacks before they reach your Mac.

Learn more

Using-phone in a front of neon light.

Antivirus for Android®

Antivirus apps for Android smartphones and tablets

Norton protection for Android includes an array of features and tools, including App Advisor+, Wi-Fi Security, Web Protection, and Safe Search. The app also includes a security Report Card and Anti-Theft tools. 

App Advisor+, powered by Norton Mobile Insight, scans apps before you download them and warns you about risky apps before you install them. App Advisor+ for Google Play tells you about malware, online privacy and other risks that are detected for a given app before you choose to download it.  

Learn more

Women at home relaxing.

Antivirus for iOS®

Do you need security and virus protection for iOS?

Yes! If you log into email or use public Wi-Fi, online threats may get into your iPhone® or iPad®. Your iPhone and iPad carry a lot of important information, and you use them for many different tasks. Norton protection for iOS helps protect your iPhone and iPad with Wi-Fi Security, Web Protection, and Device Security. 

Wi-Fi Security helps detect and alert you if your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network that is under attack by cybercriminals, which could lead to someone else accessing your device. Web Protection helps detect and safeguard you from navigation to malicious websites, and Device Security alerts you when your operating system is out of date, which could leave your device susceptible to vulnerabilities.  

Learn more

Which antivirus software is right for you?

Antivirus, malware protection, and more features to help protect your device

Norton AntiVirus Plus and Norton 360 plans include antivirus and malware protection, plus an array of additional features to help protect your PCs, Mac, Android and iOS devices, including:

Secure VPN 

Important if you use public Wi-Fi (included in Norton 360 plans only)

Password Manager

Enables you to use strong passwords without having to remember them all

PC Cloud Backup‡‡ 

Stores copies of your most important files, just in case

Smart Firewall for PC 

Helps block unauthorized traffic accessing your computer

Womn at home in company of dog.

Find the right solution for your needs

We provide 60 Day Money Back Guarantee* with annual subscriptions.

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Powerful protection for your device and personal information on it.

Norton 360

Get comprehensive protection for your devices.

*Terms apply. For cancellation, return and refund information, please visit the Return Policy

Frequently asked questions

What is Antivirus?

What role does antivirus software play in helping protect your devices?

Originally, antivirus scanned computer files and looked for patterns known to match computer viruses. Today, the best antivirus engines use multiple methods for identifying known and unknown online threats, and antivirus is still a foundational component of security software. 

Antivirus is file-based protection, and after a virus attack, having virus-infected files on a target computer or mobile device is one of the main ways online threats remain on that device after the initial attack. Because of this, file-based protection will always be instrumental in helping detect, neutralize and remove viruses. 

What is the difference between antivirus and internet security?

Antivirus is an important part of what you might call internet security, security software or device security. A security solution includes antivirus as one of the foundations of how it helps defend against malware, but “internet security” typically refers to a software suite that has additional types of technology in addition to antivirus. 

Why is it important to have an antivirus program?

A computer, tablet or smartphone that connects to the Internet has the potential to encounter viruses and malware. While you may be careful what you do online, you could still visit a website that has been compromised with malware (without even knowing it) or download malware from a message from a trusted friend whose account was hacked. Someone else who uses your device might not be as careful as you. Having antivirus and security software for your computer or mobile device gives you protection against many types of malware that might not be easy to spot. 

How do you check for a virus on a computer?

Antivirus and security software will include a scanning function to check for viruses and malware.

How do you get rid of a virus on your computer?

Antivirus and security software will include tools for virus and malware removal. Norton LifeLock also offers a free tool for PCs called Norton Power Eraser for do-it-yourself virus removal. Norton subscribers can also contact Member Services & Support if you think you have a virus or malware. 

+ Premium Features
To learn more about features included in the free version of Norton Mobile Security click here

Δ 24/7 Support is available in English only. See https://www.norton.com/globalsupport.

‡‡ Requires your device to have an Internet/data plan and be turned on.

2 Requires an automatically renewing subscription for a product containing antivirus features. For further terms and conditions please see norton.com/virus-protection-promise.

The Norton and LifeLock Brands are part of Gen. LifeLock identity theft protection is not available in all countries.

Copyright © 2024 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Window logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.