Norton Cautions: In Wake of Celebrity Music Thefts, Revisit Your Own Security Settings

CULVER CITY, Calif., Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ —

                      Several news outlets are reporting today that a
                      handful of "A-list" musicians have been the
                      target of cybercriminals. These celebrities have
                      allegedly been the victims of hackers who broke
                      into their computers to steal unreleased songs
    WHAT/WHY:         and then post them online.

                      Some reports claim that the hackers also managed
                      to steal a compromising photograph of at least
                      one of the celebrities involved and were
                      planning on selling the picture or attempting to
                      use it for blackmail.

                      While most people don't need to worry about their
                      next multi-platinum single being leaked in
                      advance of the street date, there are
                      undoubtedly other sensitive documents and images
                      on our personal computers that we would never
                      want a cybercriminal to be able to access.

                      This is a powerful and timely reminder to all
                      computer users that no one is immune from the
                      effects of cybercrime and that now, as the
                      holiday season is in full swing, is a good time
                      to check your own security status.

                      Norton has pulled together a quick check-list
                      for consumers to help keep their own personal
                      documents and photos out of the hands of would-
                      be cybercriminals:

                      --Password Protection - Change your passwords
                      regularly, and don't use the same password
                      across multiple sites or computers.
                      --Scan Your Statements - Take a look at your
                      bank and credit card statements. Many
                      cybercriminals are now stealing smaller amounts
                      over a longer period of time in the hopes that
                      they will avoid detection. If you see a charge
                      or withdrawal you don't remember, check with the
                      institution to see if it's legit.
                      -- Security Suites - Today's online threats
                      come in many forms. Make sure you're protected
                      with a robust security suite, like Norton
                      Internet Security 2011, which provides you with
                      powerful, fast protection to e-mail, shop and
                      bank online without worry.

                      Norton experts are on-hand to share tips with
                      users on how they can protect themselves from
                      online threats and stay out of the hands of
    EXPERTS:          cybercriminals.

                      Marian Merritt, Norton's Internet safety advocate
                         has more information on her blog here: http://
                            community.norton.com/t5/Ask-Marian/Hackers-
                                    Steal-Unreleased-Music-From-Famous-
    BLOG:                                Recording-Artists/ba-p/337840.

                      Interviews with Norton security experts available
    WHEN:             upon request

    CONTACT:         Gerritt Hoekman
                     Edelman for Norton
                     323-202-1895
                     Gerritt.Hoekman@Edelman.com

SOURCE Norton