Norton, a household name in the cybersecurity industry, has been a trusted provider of antivirus software and internet security solutions for decades. With its rich history and widespread recognition, it’s natural to wonder who owns this iconic brand. In this article, we’ll delve into the ownership structure of Norton, exploring its evolution, current ownership, and the key players involved.
A Brief History of Norton
Before diving into the ownership details, it’s essential to understand the origins of Norton. The company was founded in 1990 by Peter Norton, a renowned American programmer, and entrepreneur. Initially, the company focused on developing utility software for the IBM PC, including the popular Norton Utilities.
In the early 1990s, Norton began to shift its focus towards antivirus software, releasing its first antivirus product, Norton Antivirus, in 1991. The software quickly gained popularity, and the company became a leading player in the cybersecurity industry.
The Acquisition by Symantec
In 1990, Symantec Corporation, another prominent player in the software industry, acquired Peter Norton Computing, Inc. for $70 million. This acquisition marked a significant turning point in Norton’s history, as it became a subsidiary of Symantec.
Under Symantec’s ownership, Norton continued to grow and expand its product offerings. The company released several successful products, including Norton Internet Security and Norton 360, which further solidified its position in the market.
LifeLock Acquisition and Rebranding
In 2017, Symantec acquired LifeLock, a leading provider of identity theft protection services, for $2.3 billion. Following the acquisition, Symantec merged its Norton business with LifeLock, creating a new entity called NortonLifeLock.
The rebranding aimed to leverage the strengths of both Norton and LifeLock, offering a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity and identity protection solutions. The new entity continued to operate under the Norton brand, with a focus on providing innovative security solutions to consumers and businesses.
Current Ownership Structure
In 2019, Symantec’s enterprise security business was acquired by Broadcom Inc. for $10.7 billion. As part of the deal, Symantec’s consumer business, including NortonLifeLock, was spun off into a separate entity.
Today, NortonLifeLock is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: NLOK), with its headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. The company operates independently, with a focus on developing and marketing its Norton-branded security solutions.
Key Players and Leadership
NortonLifeLock’s leadership team includes:
- Vincent Pilette, CEO
- Matthew Brown, CFO
- Samir Kapuria, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business
The company’s board of directors comprises experienced professionals from the technology and cybersecurity industries, including:
- Robert E. Beauchamp, Chairman of the Board
- Vincent Pilette, CEO and Director
- Matthew Brown, CFO and Director
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norton’s ownership has undergone significant changes over the years, from its founding by Peter Norton to its current status as a publicly traded company. Through its evolution, Norton has remained a trusted brand in the cybersecurity industry, providing innovative security solutions to consumers and businesses.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, NortonLifeLock is well-positioned to address emerging threats and provide comprehensive protection to its customers. With its rich history, strong leadership, and commitment to innovation, Norton is likely to remain a household name in the cybersecurity industry for years to come.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about Norton’s history, products, and services, the following resources are available:
- NortonLifeLock’s official website: www.nortonlifelock.com
- Norton’s official website: www.norton.com
- Symantec’s official website: www.symantec.com
By exploring these resources, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Norton’s evolution, products, and commitment to cybersecurity.
Who is the current owner of Norton?
Norton is currently owned by NortonLifeLock Inc., a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety. The company was formed in 2019 after Symantec Corporation, the original owner of Norton, sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom Inc. and rebranded itself as NortonLifeLock Inc.
NortonLifeLock Inc. is a publicly-traded company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol NLOK. The company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and is led by a team of experienced executives with a strong background in the cybersecurity industry.
What is the history of Norton’s ownership?
Norton was founded in 1990 by Peter Norton, a well-known American programmer and entrepreneur. The company was initially called Peter Norton Computing and was acquired by Symantec Corporation in 1990. Symantec was a leading provider of antivirus software and other cybersecurity solutions, and the acquisition of Norton helped to expand its product portfolio.
Over the years, Symantec continued to grow and evolve, and Norton became one of its flagship brands. In 2019, Symantec sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom Inc. and rebranded itself as NortonLifeLock Inc., which is the current owner of the Norton brand.
What products and services does Norton offer?
Norton offers a wide range of products and services designed to protect consumers from cyber threats. Its product portfolio includes antivirus software, VPNs, password managers, and identity theft protection services. Norton’s products are designed to be user-friendly and provide comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats.
In addition to its products, Norton also offers a range of services, including online backup and storage, parental controls, and technical support. The company’s products and services are available for both Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as for mobile devices.
Is Norton a trustworthy brand?
Norton is a well-established and reputable brand in the cybersecurity industry. The company has a long history of providing effective and reliable products and services, and its products have received numerous awards and accolades from industry experts and reviewers.
However, as with any company, Norton is not immune to criticism and controversy. Some users have reported issues with the company’s customer support and billing practices, and there have been concerns raised about the company’s data collection and privacy policies. Nevertheless, Norton remains a popular and trusted brand among consumers.
How does Norton make money?
Norton generates revenue primarily through the sale of its products and services. The company offers a range of pricing plans, including monthly and annual subscriptions, as well as one-time purchases. Norton also generates revenue through partnerships with other companies, such as internet service providers and device manufacturers.
In addition to its product sales, Norton also generates revenue through advertising and data analytics. The company collects data on user behavior and online activity, which it uses to improve its products and services. Norton also uses this data to provide targeted advertising to its users.
What is Norton’s relationship with Symantec?
Norton was previously owned by Symantec Corporation, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. In 2019, Symantec sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom Inc. and rebranded itself as NortonLifeLock Inc., which is the current owner of the Norton brand.
Although Norton is no longer owned by Symantec, the two companies still have a close relationship. Symantec continues to provide enterprise security solutions, while Norton focuses on consumer cybersecurity products and services. The two companies also collaborate on research and development, and share threat intelligence to improve their respective products and services.
What is the future of Norton?
Norton continues to evolve and expand its product portfolio to meet the changing needs of consumers. The company is investing heavily in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve its products and services.
In the future, Norton is likely to continue to focus on providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for consumers. The company may also explore new markets and partnerships, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Norton is well-positioned to remain a leading player in the industry.