Cyber Deal Shows Consumer-Corporate Security Divide
Norton and Avast were early pioneers in security, but now the threats are bigger and the stakes are higher. A merger may not save them.
Where it all begins.
Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg
The pending merger of two major names in cybersecurity is sorely needed by both companies. It also highlights the role consumer products need to play in the ongoing battle to protect corporate networks.
NortonLifeLock Inc. announced this week it would buy Prague-based Avast Plc in a cash and share deal worth up to $8.6 billion. Both are storied names in consumer-facing cybersecurity. Previously known as Symantec Corp., the U.S. company bought the Norton brand three decades ago, when malicious code was mostly passed through infected floppy disks. Avast is almost as old, and was an early pioneer in the antivirus market.