Security company Norton (by Symantec) used the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show to preview its move into high-performance Wi-Fi routers to provide complete security for connected homes.
The router, looking more like a geodesic dome piece of art than the typical black box, is Norton’s promise to “secure your digital life, while delivering the highest level of performance. Core uses advanced machine learning and Symantec’s global intelligence network to defend your home Wi-Fi and every device connected to it against malware, viruses, hackers and much more.”
Initially Core is only scheduled for US release but it does mark Norton’s expansion from a software based security company to a security as a service company – the hardware router is simply the in-home vehicle for Norton security services to protect, via deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention and telemetry - PCs, laptops and smartphones, smart TVs, Internet security cameras, Wi-Fi thermostats, baby monitors and more at the network level.
Fran Rosch, executive vice president, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec, said, “We’ve all seen the high-profile attacks in recent months and know that hackers are now exploiting an array of connected devices as a new means to access personal and financial information. Norton is extending our digital safety platform in an innovative way – to now include a wireless home router with an atypical artisanal design – to help our customers incorporate security more personally and elegantly into their homes.”
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Like all good recent routers, it has Wi-Fi AC, 2.5Gbps throughput), dual band, 4 x 4 MU-MIMO, beamforming, device priority, four LAN/WAN ports, two USB ports, Bluetooth LE (for smartphone app) and annual (renewable) Norton Security protection for up to 20 Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices. It obviates the need for purchasing other Norton security products. It will protect any attached IoT device
Where it will shine is by being connected to the world’s largest global intelligence network that sees threats and immediately develops protection.
The app looks good too providing security scores, guest access, parential controls, real-time speed indicators, device discovery, screen time management and more.
Comment
This may put a proverbial secure cat amongst the insecure pigeons – router makers have just begun to realise that security at the network level is no longer an option.
From what I can see the main advantage is that it has Norton’s amazing global intelligence network behind it and the annual Norton Core Security subscription (US$9.99 per month after the first year) is good value for 20 external computer devices and all IoT connected devices.
US pre-orders are available here for US$199.99 and the device will have a US$279.99 price after that.