topic Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection in Community Chat

Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

beach-mom — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:25:02 GMT

I first got a notification about this last month (I think). I ignored it, thinking it wasn't authentic. Now I know it is real. I've spent hours on chat and on the phone trying to find an Xfinity rep who can explain what is going on.

Effective January 1, Norton Security will no longer offer protection through Xfinity. The rep I talked to today tried to get me to change to Xfinity's own security program. To do this I have to uninstall Norton.

Posters in the Xfinity forums advised against installing Xfinity's program.

I don't think I want Xfinity's program. Any advice? TIA!

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

Foxxee — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:45:45 GMT

@beach-mom

Not happy about this at all. Is Comcast going to lower our monthly bill? NO!

Xfinity's does not offer as many security features Norton's does. So, beware.

From what I hear, Microsoft's Windows Defender is very good and already installed on your computer, so as long as you stay off bad websites, etc, you should be good. I'm not trusting it, though.

Comcast disabled Defender when Norton was installed, but when Norton is uninstalled, Defender kicks back in.

You should have been receiving email specials from Norton offering different packages.

I have been putting it off, too, hoping for a better offer from Norton and they did lower introductory prices over time for one year. After one year, it's full price.

Norton has been excellent and I hesitate using anything else, so I will sign up tomorrow.

I did hear the old Norton has to be removed before the new Norton is installed. Not sure if that's true, but very easy to do.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

tucsongal — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 06:18:38 GMT

DH signed up for Norton, which we have successfully used for many years.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

ValuSkr — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 09:23:32 GMT

I was a McAfee devotee for many years. But when I got a new laptop earlier this year, I went with Windows Security. It's well regarded and doesn't cost extra.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

Trix — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 10:27:44 GMT

I have never used the Norton offered by Comcast as I have been a Trend Micro subscriber for many years. I know Norton is a very well regarded company, but since being introduced to Trend Micro (through a QVC computer purchase nearly 20 yrs ago), I stuck with them after the initial QVC free period ended, and with subsequent new computer purchases and on my phone.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

CJC — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 12:28:29 GMT

I'm also a Trend Micro user on my Windows 10 desktop. Bought my PC from Best Buy and enrolled in their Total Tech program. Since I'm a senior non-tech person their Total Tech has served me very well on all my devices, installations and repairs. Security program was included for free when BB set up my desktop. I had a choice of Trend Micro or Webroot. Both are very good. Chose Trend Micro because it's what my kids use. I had Norton on my PC for some 20 years, but they were always bombarding me with solicitations for Lifelock. Don't know what security is on my iPad and iPhone--whatever they came with I guess. I always do online ordering from my desktop.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

gardenman — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:03:05 GMT

I use Windows Defender and it's fine. Antivirus software is largely past its heyday. As long as you keep your computer updated, and practice safe computing, there's very little "need" for it these days. Modern operating systems are far, far more secure than they were in the past. Computer viruses are largely nonexistent these days. Malware is a bigger issue, but most malware is installed by a careless user who ignores multiple warning signs. Things were a lot more dangerous twenty years ago, but these days the threats are fewer and very rare.

Comcast has been losing subscribers and needs to cut costs. Replacing Norton with a lower cost option is one way for them to prop up their bottom line. At least temporarily. Comcast lost 886,000 subscribers in the first six months of 2020. If you assume each subscriber had a bill of at least $100, that's at least $88.6 million dollars in lost revenue. (Reportedly Comcast's average bill is $150+ so the loss revenue would be more like $120+ million.) I should point out that with the virus and everyone forced to stay home, revenue for home entertainment companies like Comcast should have increased over those first six months. Their revenue fell. With 5G internet now here and growing, the old wired services will soon be abandoned. Comcast is in big trouble over the long term.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

Spurt — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 18:00:14 GMT

I wouldn't recommend McAfee ---it's the most intrusive security protection....it drove me crazy

Best Buy switched from Trend Micro to Web Root because of complaints about Trend Micro and lack of protection..... Ive been pleased with Web Root.... Another good option is Malware Bytes...there's a free version and a premium version....

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

knittykitty — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:22:48 GMT

I have a (new) HP Chromebook. Chromebooks are Google products (many brands offer Chromebooks) and have propriatary built in security and that is automatically updated. Chromebooks are updated for 5 years. I added a free antivirus ap to my old one when it no longer got updates. I also use the same free ap on my Samsung phone. I have never paid for antivirus and have never had a problem.

my former desktops did have Comcast free Norton coverage.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

lkat — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:06:30 GMT

I agree with @Spurt , stay away from McAfee. I had a previous computer that got a really bad virus which McAfee neglected to detect. Was a nightmare to fix.

We've been using WebRoot for years on all our devices and have been very happy. Sometimes it's cheaper to purchase through Amazon rather than WebRoot's own site for some reason.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

sunshine45 — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:14:53 GMT

we dont use the "free" NORTON.

we get our tech support through best buy and have webroot installed on all of our computers.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

Shelbelle — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:51:40 GMT

My DH signed us up for something called Avira, he is very pleased with his decision.

Re: Comcast/Xfinity Discontinuing Norton Security Protection

Shelbelle — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:53:24 GMT

We have had Comcast in our home for 37 years, they are notorious for taking things away and raising your rate at the same time. Last year it was taking away TCM and charging more at the same time.