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Kudos1 Stats

On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 20-Jun-2022 | 6:25PM · 23 Replies ·

Hi community. Please help. Hi have macOS 10.12.6 On the menu bar at the top of the screen on my Mac I can see the Norton symbol (a tick inside a circle). Does this tell me that Norton is running? When I click on it the drop down menu tells me "Safe" with a green tick. Do I also need to launch Norton security and have the Norton window open to be protected? The window I am referring to shows "Security", "Scans", "LiveUpdate" etc. This window opens automatically when my Mac starts up and tells me that I am protected. Can I close this window and still be protected? Thanks for your assistance.

Labels: Performance

Replies

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 21-Jun-2022 | 10:24AM · Edited: 21-Jun-2022 | 10:25AM · Permalink

Hello peter paulsen,

it sounds like you're good to go. I assume that after you installed Norton 360, have you restarted your Mac and followed the final setup instructions (allowing Norton 360 system extension, allowing Norton 360 to manage Network traffic and give the Norton System Extension Full Disk Access)?

You do not need to have the Norton 360 window open to be protected. It even should not be visible on every system start. Do you keep it open until shutting down your Mac and have the tick box activated to restore windows?

If you're not sure if everything is running, you can open Activity Monitor (which is a macOS Utility to see all running processes, their CPU, network, RAM and Disk read/write usage) and look for "Norton" via the search panel in activity monitor. Even if the window is closed, the process should be running. Additionally, you can look for "Sym". There should be a com.symantec.mes.systemextension, and SymDaemon which are two important background processes (among other) providing security for your Mac. 

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 22-Jun-2022 | 5:36PM · Permalink

Hi,

I have a similar question. I inherited a Mac (10.14.6) with Norton installed on it. I am trying to figure out if the browser extensions have been installed or not and if they are protecting me. I use Firefox and Safari. I can see in Firefox that Norton Safe Search and Safe Web are installed. But I could not figure out how to check the same for Safari. Following the prior post I see that the Activity Monitor shows Norton 360, Norton and nortonaggregator and I do see SynDaemon, but I do NOT see com.symantec.mes.systemextension.

How can I check reliably if the Norton extension is installed for Safari? Regardless what I tried in Norton or in Safari, I could not find any place to see that. Please let me know what to do, if possible with some screen shots as I am a beginner user for this. Thanks in advance.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 22-Jun-2022 | 8:26PM · Edited: 22-Jun-2022 | 9:08PM · Permalink

Hi gdfarkas,

System Extensions became mandatory with macOS 11. macOS 10.14 was when Apple started showing notifications of legacy extensions. But it could be that on your system, Norton still uses kernel extensions. I'm not familiar with how Norton handles their extensions, sorry. The equivalent would be com.symantec.internetSecurity.kext.

For Kernel Extensions, the location where most are found is: /System/Library/Extensions
For System Extensions it is: /Library/System Extensions

Another way to find out what extensions are present, including those by Symantec/Norton, would be to use Terminal which you can either search via Spotlight or find in Applications\Utilities

To list all Kernel extensions (excluding those from Apple) enter: kextstat | grep -v com.apple
To list all System extensions enter: systemextensionsctl list

If you want to check if the Safari extension is installed, open Safari, click on the menu bar on Safari > Preferences... Then a window opens. In the top row click on Extensions. Then you'll see all installed extensions. If you see Norton there, but it is not activated with a checkmark before the extension, do that.

If Norton isn't there, then open Norton 360 and click on Settings which is top right in the bright part of the window, just below the dark colored accent stripe at the top. Then click on Safe Web and then the arrow next to Safari which should bring you to the download page of the extension.

In case the extension is said to be installed, but not visible in the Browser UI or in the Extension Menu of Safari preferences, you can try to rebuild macOS launch services. This should usually not be necessary, but I don't know the conditions of your inherited Mac and I'd rather give one tool too many than too few.

For that open Terminal. Close Safari and enter in the Terminal window following command (with best thanks to kaitlyn from 1Password):

/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -f -R /Applications/Safari.app

 As said: It should not be necessary, but it could help if Safari has trouble recognizing and displaying the extension.

Best,
Crwmy

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 5:16PM · Permalink

Thanks for your very thorough reply. The extension doesn't show up in Preferences...  I will try the next step, to download the extension.

I am sorry, but I know little about systems "stuff" so I would not attempt the rest. I hope I can download and install the extension. 

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 5:52PM · Permalink

Okay. No worries, we'll get there. 

Here is a screenshot (via PCMag) where I have highlighted where to click to get into the settings menu (1.) and where the Safe Web submenu is located (2.). I hope this helps.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 6:02PM · Edited: 23-Jun-2022 | 6:02PM · Permalink

I apologize but I cannot figure out how to get to the place where I can download the needed extension.

I attached what I see when I double click on the Norton360.app and select what might be teh Settings....

Thanks for any help.

File Attachment: 
PDF icon Screen Shot 2022-06-23 at 5.49.03 PM.png_.pdf
Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 6:14PM · Permalink

Hi,

sorry, I can't help you further as I won't download and open PDFs (or any other file) from an untrusted source. 

Best luck,
Crwmy 

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 6:42PM · Edited: 23-Jun-2022 | 6:44PM · Permalink

gdfarkas:

File Attachment: 
Screen Shot 2022-06-23 at 5.49.03 PM.png_.pdf

How to post an image in the forums
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/how-post-image-forums-0

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 7:03PM · Edited: 23-Jun-2022 | 7:05PM · Permalink

Thanks bjm_!

@gdfarkas: From this view, after choosing "Classic", you can close the window and open Norton 360 again. It should now open in the view that corresponds with the screenshot I posted. Otherwise if the My Norton window opens again then click on "Open" next to Device Security, which opens then the "classic" interface from the previous screenshot.(Screenshot via PCMag)

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 9:26PM · Permalink

Thanks for not giving up on me. I feel terrible but regardless what I do, I cannot get beyond the screen where I can pick the view. After picking the Classic View, I closed that screen, went back to the Norton360.app, but the only thing that comes up again is the same selection for the view...  I cannot get to the menus that you kindly displayed.....  

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 23-Jun-2022 | 10:27PM · Permalink

Hm. Curious.

I know it can feel terrible getting stuck with software problems, even "just" navigation, that seem simple. I have had lots of that, too. To reassure you: For me, trying to understand where your problem arises and where you get stuck is nothing that annoys me. Otherwise I would not do this. But I follow some safety precautions.

Anyways, and thanks to bjm_, back to the topic: Have you a house icon on the dark line in the middle when you can pick the view? If yes, then click on it. It should take you to the overview with "Device Security" etc.

If not, we could try another thing where you could try is to close Norton 360 via the top bar menu by clicking on Norton 360 > Quit after choosing Classic view. And then going to the Norton 360 app again.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 24-Jun-2022 | 7:24AM · Permalink

Thanks a lot. We will be away until Tuesday, leaving now. I will try what you suggested after we come back. Have a nice weekend.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 27-Jun-2022 | 3:38PM · Permalink

With your help, following the instructions, I finally managed to get to the App Store. It pointed me to Norton Safe Web Plus ver 1.3.4, which is Norton Safe Web & Norton Password Mgr for Mac. I already have Safe Web and I do not need the Password Mgr.

How and where can I find the Norton extension for Safari 14.1.2 to download it? 

Thanks again.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 27-Jun-2022 | 5:37PM · Permalink

Glad we're making progress! 

The Safe Web extension (without Password Manager) can also be found in the App Store.

Now that I know that also for your version of Safari the extension is installed via App Store, the faster way to go is: Open the App Store (either via Dock Symbol below or by clicking on the Apple Logo in the top Menu bar > App Store) and search for "Norton Safe Web". In this case, both Norton Safe Web Plus and Norton Safe Web should show up.

If you feel more comfortable with the previous way, just go through the motions until you come to Safe Web Plus in the App Store again, then scroll down. There is a section with "More from NortonLifeLock" which should show just the Safe Web extension. Click on that and then click Get (or Install) and it should be downloaded and added to Safari. 

The extensions for Firefox and Safari are separate. If you have Safe Web installed in Firefox it is not automatically added to Safari and vice versa. You need to add the extension to every browser you use manually. 

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 29-Jun-2022 | 8:44PM · Permalink

I kept searching for an answer to learn how to download the Norton extension for Safari and found this from Norton:

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v117744069

It has download instructions for the extension for all browsers except Safari. Does anyone know why the extension for Safari is not included and where to find this extension to download it? Thanks.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 29-Jun-2022 | 10:25PM · Edited: 29-Jun-2022 | 10:27PM · Permalink

Sorry and thanks, crummy. I didn't get an email showing your post and I just saw it... Otherwise I would have done what you advised.

I went on chat with Norton. The only way the support person wanted to help is by doing it remotely on my computer. I reluctantly let him do that. He downloaded from the Apple store the  “Norton Safe Web Plus” application. I told him that I do not want the Norton Password Manager. It got installed. What I see is that it can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords and credit cards, it can alter appearance and behavior of webpages and can see when one visits all webpages. 

This sounds awful. 

If I want to uninstall it, it tells me that "To uninstall “Norton Password Manager”, you must remove the “Norton Safe Web Plus” application."

I assume that Norton Safe Web is the Norton Safari browser extension. 

Under Preferences/Extensions I can see both the Norton Password Manager and Norton Safe Web. 

If I were to de-install the Norton Safe Web Plus application (to get rid of the ominous password manager), would it get rid of Norton Safe Web too?

I should have not let this support guy control my computer....

Thanks.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 30-Jun-2022 | 4:55AM · Permalink

Hi gdfarkas, Interesting to know that Safe Web Plus basically seems to install just both extensions. But yeah, as they are probably both linked to the Norton Safe Web Plus application. I'm not sure if the Safe Web Plus app works properly with only one extension installed as it is designed to expect both. I recommend uninstalling the Safe Web Plus application, which should remove both extensions and then move forward with just installing the Safe Web app as previously described. But the Norton Password Manager is legit and can be used, although I myself use another Password Manager. And they require these permissions to work properly (e.g fill in Passwords or safe new ones). Apple (and other browser vendors) display the extensions capabilities to inform users and let us know what they potentially can to make it harder for scam apps to gain access to sensitive information.
Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 30-Jun-2022 | 3:27PM · Permalink

Thanks. I will follow your advice as I do not want to use Norton's vault (I use a different one), and I do not want passwords saved by default there, maybe even without my knowledge. I am just shocked that I could not find any info on Norton's website, at the Community or anywhere else about where one can download the Safari extension. I am wondering why. It should not be this difficult. 

Also I do not understand why I have been not notified that you posted a reply. It happened before but it stopped happening....

I went to the Apple store and I did find Norton Safe Web. When I clicked GET, I got an error message stating that "An SSL error has occurred and a secure connection to the server cannot be made". I downloaded applications before, I have no idea what this means. In today's world one can spend time all day long to fight the computer and applications....   Very frustrating.

Thanks for all your help. Worst (and not desired case) I will leave Norton Safe Web Plus alone...

Kudos1 Stats

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 01-Jul-2022 | 9:03AM · Permalink

Hi gdfarkas,

regarding notification: maybe you have inadvertently unsubscribed to the thread (scroll up to the very first post of this thread and see if you're subscribed)

or Norton notification mails maybe are going to your spam folder.

Regarding Norton Safe Web: the issue with the SSL connection could be temporary. 

I also recommend to uninstall Norton Safe Web Plus before trying to install Norton Safe Web from the App Store. Otherwise, as they serve the same function with slightly different scope, they may interfere with each other. Do not forget to quit Safari before putting the Norton Safe Web Plus app into trash. 

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 01-Jul-2022 | 12:57PM · Permalink

Thanks. I piggy-backed on a thread that was opened by someone else. It says unsubscribe, but it might apply to the first person who posted. Nothing went to spam, but by now I am almost ready to say that (hopefully) my problem is solved with your help. I will first follow your steps, get rid of Safe web plus and install safe web.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 01-Jul-2022 | 1:10PM · Permalink

I think that I did it. I moved Safe web plus to Trash (after closing Safari) and installed Safe Web. Safe Web is now showing up under Preferences/extensions and I turned it on.

Thanks again for your patience and time. I wish Norton would make it simpler to handle something like this.

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 01-Jul-2022 | 1:13PM · Permalink

There appears one left over issue. A popup keeps showing up telling me to enter "login" keychain password. I do not have/use keychain. I did enter my login password for the mac. It did not like it. After entering it 3 times, for a while the pop up disappeared, but then it came back. I am not sure what this means and what is that I have to do...

Kudos0

Re: On my Mac, is Norton running?

Posted: 01-Jul-2022 | 4:20PM · Permalink

Now I got for the 3rd time a message stating " Norton 360 is unable to continue. Please restart your Mac and if the problem doesn't go away click on link". The link is 3 pages of instructions to de-install and re-install everything. 

This is really crazy. All I do by now is to fight Norton problems. I do not know if this is happening only for me or if this is how this product works. This is terrible, particularly for someone who is not at all technical.

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