US Internet search engine Yahoo and software security giant Symantec Corporation launched a joint service on Tuesday to protect people online from hackers, viruses, spyware and spam.
Norton Internet Security provided by Yahoo was billed by the companies as an all-in-one security service that blocked intruders, identity thieves, and malicious software.
The alliance enabled Yahoo to ease user concerns about vulnerabilities online while promoting Symantec's Norton security software to hundreds of millions of people that use Yahoo.
"Internet security is important to our Yahoo users and by working with Symantec we are bringing the comfortable security blanket that their Norton brand services provide to consumers around the world," said Yahoo director of product management Stephen Miller.
Yahoo members would get a discounted annual subscription of 49 dollars and be able to try the service for the first 30 days free, according to the companies.
Other co-branded security offerings included a Norton Spyware Scan function designed to remove such unwanted software from computers will soon be available for Yahoo browser window toolbar.
Norton antivirus and firewall services would be made available by Yahoo to broadband Internet users in Britain and other regions, according to the companies.
"We are thrilled to partner to offer Symantec products to Yahoo's audience of hundreds of millions globally," said Enrique Salem, president of Symantec's consumer products and solutions group.
"Internet security is a necessity for consumers today."
Symantec and Yahoo are both based in Silicon Valley.
