Protecting yourself from scammers could be a little easier with a security-based VPN, but with Norton’s entry to the category, it’ll come separate from the security solution.
Security software is often a requirement these days, but the question of what you use and to what end remains. For instance, if you want to secure your PC, Mac, or phone, there are a whole variety of solutions out there that can do just that, warding off security exploits and ransomware for your operating system, even if it doesn’t do a lot for scams.
When it comes to dodgy text messages and the like, security software can’t do much to interrupt scams. It’s often why education is the answer and good internet hygiene, covering solid passwords and recommended approaches to using devices on the internet.
But one approach could work against scammers, and it has a security software angle: VPNs.
A VPN is just a virtual network you run your data through. They’re often handy ways to anonymise your information as it gets sent to a series of computers and networks not specifically the one you’re connected to.
VPNs are often a recommendation if you plan on using free WiFi, particularly given some of the risks of free WiFi that can be security exploits meant to ensnare unsuspecting individuals. However, VPNs can actually be useful to prevent scams from being clicked, especially since that VPN can have rules applied to prevent you from falling down a scam-laden rabbit hole.
It could be for this reason that Norton’s latest product is focused on: a VPN to improve cyber security and threats to identity.
Norton Ultra VPN joins the company’s Secure VPN as going a little bit further. While Secure VPN provides a virtual private network for people who need access to a VPN, Ultra adds malware and scam protection by blocking these types of nasties from the VPN level, while also potentially thwarting scammy websites in the process.
“Norton Ultra VPN offers scam protection for both desktop and mobile devices,” a spokesperson for Norton’s owner Gen told Pickr.
“On desktop, it utilises a combination of content analysis and URL filtering. The content analysis component uses real-time pattern recognition to identify hidden elements (e.g. text, imagery, design) that may indicate a scam, while URL filtering blocks known phishing and scam URLs,” they said.
There’s more to Norton Ultra VPN than that, with parental control a part of the plans, as well as dark web monitoring, something Norton’s security solutions have come with in the past.
Overseas in the US and Canada, Norton will also offer privacy monitoring to track whether exposed information has been leaked, but that feature isn’t in Australia. A spokesperson told Pickr that privacy tracking could only be offered in locations where the company has “existing relationships with data-brokers”. Australia isn’t there yet, but may be in the future.
“Today, people need more from their VPN. They need help protecting themselves and their families from an ever-increasing spectrum of modern threats,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen.
“We reimagined our lineup with this in mind, innovating with our award-winning technology to create tailored solutions that provide the most comprehensive online protection, helping people everywhere to regain control of their Cyber Safety with the perfect VPN for their lifestyle,” she said.
One thing you won’t get as part of Norton Ultra VPN is Norton’s internet security solution. That’s something representatives for Gen confirmed with Pickr, noting that “Norton Ultra VPN plans are, first and foremost, VPN products”. Ultra VPN does come with security and privacy features, but Norton 360 is distinct from Norton VPN.
You also can’t run Norton’s VPN on a router, so rather than taking a holistic approach where you protect the whole home at the router level, Ultra VPN will run on devices, supporting Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It needs to be running to protect those devices, which should work on WiFi and cellular 4G/5G connections alike, but it needs to be running to do something in the first place.
Cost is a part of that, however, with Norton Ultra VPN launching at $69.99 for the first year, before costing $144.99 for subsequent years, protecting up to five devices in total. A larger plan for up to ten devices can be found in Norton Ultra VPN Plus, launched at $89.99 for the first year with subsequent years costing $234.99 per year following. That’s on top of a Norton 360 subscription, which starts at $79.99 locally, though Norton 360 may not be needed to use Norton’s VPN. Both have launched now, however, and are available in Australia.
