Norton 360 + MBP = Disaster

First time in my life I’ve had both the new MBP and also the financial ability to afford top notch protection for it. So I read some reviews and sprung for Norton 360 Deluxe. Unfortunately, I was reminded why nobody likes a hallway monitor…

Finally cancelled after close to 60 days of trying to fix an infuriating issue with Norton 360 completely cutting my internet connection while on Zoom calls - obviously something that can’t be happening sporadically when you’re a software sales engineer working remotely. What’s most frustrating is that it doesn’t seem to be all that complicated - I just want my MBP to operate freely while on my home network and be protected when I’m on a public network. Maybe a simple VPN option will suffice? Here’s all that I went through for anyone facing a similar issue…

10+ calls to support, 5+ remote sessions (1 with a supervisor) without a fix. Support tried going through the Application and Connection Blockers and pretty much tried every combination of allowing “all” applications while on my trusted home network (consistently running 800+ Mbps) to listing out every application I use individually and setting them all to “allow.” Didn’t help…INCREDIBLY frustrating.

The only temporary fix I was able to find (which I explained to support hoping that would shed some light on the issue and prove that Norton was causing it) was to remove Norton 360 content filter from my Network list. Granted, then I’d get a pop-up that my computer was at risk and I’d have to re-enable and start all over. Like I said, any alternative solutions to keeping me safe on public networks is appreciated!

Norton top notch?? uh

A lot of people don’t like this realization, but most of those sites that are full of reviews and ratings on how well an antivirus work are actually just…a sham.

I prefer BitDefender, or even just Microsoft Defender, as coupled with safe practices online, it’s pretty great for free.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osqF50XhJEg

For years I’ve been using Malware Bytes + Windows Defender. I have a lifetime license to Malware Bytes but do pay a little extra for real time protection. It catches stuff almost every week.

ESET, Avira, Sophos, or Bitdefender

Hahaha totally get you. I was just referring to a reputable provider and the specific product from them I was using (Norton 360 Deluxe) was often featured as the best option for macOS by a lot of reputable review sites. You’d think when you buy “brand name” you’re going to get a secure, easy to use, product…just knowing you’re paying the price tag for it.

Best of luck getting Defender running on MacOS…

That was really the only explanation. Running a brand new 2021 MBP with a direct ethernet connection and had zero issues before installing Norton. Plus, like I mentioned, the removal of the Norton content filter from my network list fixed the problem every time…it just wasn’t a permanent solution. Just a quick fix to get back into a Zoom call.