Norton by Symantec on Tuesday announced the Norton Core secure router for smart devices in the connected home at CES in Las Vegas.
The router protects up to 20 PCs, Macs, Android and iOS smartphones and tablets on a home network, and unlimited devices connected to the Internet of Things.
It will update its firmware in background mode automatically, but not the firmware on connected devices, said Ameer Karim, general manager of consumer IoT security at Symantec.
Core Functions The router scans incoming and outgoing network packets across the home network, quarantines infected connected devices to a separate network, and alerts the user.
It provides a real time security score on network and connected device security, and gives users tips on strengthening security settings.
The router has customizable parental controls.
Users will be able to manage their home devices remotely from a connected mobile device.
Lost or stolen smartphones won’t pose a security problem because the router is cloud connected, so users can instantly change the password if necessary.
Users also will be able to add a PIN or Touch ID credentials for additional seciruty.
The Norton Core supports Wave 2 WiFi and simultaneously transmits at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. It uses MU-MIMO technology.
The Norton Core supports speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps for 4K streaming and lag-free gaming.
Stellar WiFi The router combines an omnidirectional antenna design with advanced beam forming to ensure your devices get stellar WiFi anywhere in your home.
It can pause the home network as required, and can identify which devices can and cannot be paused, he said. IoT devices such as alarm systems, door locks, IP cameras, healthcare devices and appliances won’t be paused.
Consumers can preorder the Norton Core now; it will begin shipping in the United States this summer.
The router is priced at $200, which includes a one-year subscription to Norton Core Security Plus. The subscription will cost $10 a year after that.
Layers of Security The Norton Core device raises the question of whether your hardware and software solutions should be integrated into a single platform. Software needs to change so quickly, and it seems like the top security software solutions always change over time.
The Norton Core is designed as a geodesic dome, and there’s a reason why the best routers are funky looking. They need to optimize the number and location of the antennas.
Still, there is no easy answer when it comes to security. You have to have layers of security, and while the Norton Core is a good potential solution … it shouldn’t be the only one you rely on.
Get more information and pre-order here: https://us.norton.com/core
