Segment of Symantec source code stolen by hackers

Symantec, makers of the widely-used Norton antivirus software, revealed that hackers have stolen segments of the source code for two of its business-focused products. However, the software affected, Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0 and Symantec Antivirus 10.2, is four and five years old (and Antivirus 10.2 is discontinued), so the company believes there’s no threat to users: a Symantec Spokersperson said in an email that the company has “no indication that the code disclosure impacts the functionality or security of Symantec’s solutions.”

This confirmation comes a day after the first report that hacker group known as “The Lords of Dharmaraja” stole unspecified source code and documentation. While Symantec said it has no reason to believe customer information was compromised, a director at security firm Imperva noted that hackers could use this code to help find vulnerabilities in Symantec’s more current software. Fortunately, consumers running Norton should have nothing to worry about, but it’s still a good reminder to update your antivirus definitions.