CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2004--

   Symantec Highlights the Importance of Internet Security for Small
       Businesses During National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC), the global leader in information security, today announced its sponsorship of the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development Institute training center in San Jose, Calif. In recognition of October National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Symantec will also begin offering workshops in the Entrepreneurial Development Institute that will focus on educating small businesses about issues related to Internet security and providing best practices for keeping their businesses protected against online threats. The first Symantec small business Internet security workshop will take place on Oct. 28, 2004.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is an initiative of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), an organization dedicated to raising Internet security awareness nationwide. During the second week of October, the NCSA is emphasizing activities for educating small businesses on cyber security awareness and preparedness.

"Small businesses face the same type of online threats as large corporations -- from viruses, worms and Trojan horses to malicious hackers attempting to break into their systems," said Matthew Moynahan, vice president of consumer products and solutions, Symantec Corp. "However, unlike large companies, small businesses often lack the resources to educate themselves about Internet security. Symantec's sponsorship of the Entrepreneurial Development Institute and our upcoming Internet security workshops underscore our commitment to providing small businesses with the tools and information they need to protect their critical digital assets."

The Entrepreneurial Development Institute is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art training center that offers executive management and technology training for small businesses. More than 100 workshops are conducted in the Entrepreneurial Development Institute every month. These workshops cover a variety of subjects, including training in the latest computer technology, management concepts, financial planning and marketing.

"The Entrepreneurial Development Institute is an important component of the SBA's efforts to empower small businesses and ensure their success," said Mark Quinn, district director for the San Francisco District Office of the SBA. "With Symantec's support, we will not only be able to continue to educate small businesses on an array of topics, but we'll also be able to expand our offerings with workshops on cyber security, a subject matter of growing interest to small businesses."

For more information on the Entrepreneurial Development Center, please visit http://www.ecenteronline.org/train_center.htm.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent federal agency established by Congress to assist, counsel, support and protect the interest of small business concerns, and to assist them in their start-up and growth.

The San Francisco District Office of the SBA serves fourteen counties in Northern California, spanning from Santa Cruz County to the south and to the Oregon border to the north. Counties include: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma.

About Symantec

Symantec is the global leader in information security providing a broad range of software, appliances and services designed to help individuals, small and mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises secure and manage their IT infrastructure. Symantec's Norton brand of products is the worldwide leader in consumer security and problem-solving solutions. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 35 countries. More information is available at http://www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Web site. All prices noted are in US dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec logo are trademarks or registered trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Symantec Corporation. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

    CONTACT: Symantec Corporation
             Cecilia Daclan, 310-449-4381
             cecilia_daclan@symantec.com
              or
             Connect Public Relations
             Sherri Walkenhorst, 801-373-7888
             sherriw@connectpr.com

    SOURCE: Symantec Corporation