Quick Answer
nortonsecurity.exe is safe. It is Norton Security's core protection engine handling real-time protection, updates, and UI coordination. It runs as part of the security suite and is digitally signed by NortonLifeLock.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Norton Security\Engine or C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Security\Engine
Warning
Multiple Norton components running
Real-time protection, UI, updater, and background services may all run simultaneously
Can I Disable?
YES
Temporarily disable protection from the Norton UI if needed, but do not leave it off long-term
What is nortonsecurity.exe?
nortonsecurity.exe is the main executable for the Norton Security suite. It orchestrates real-time protection, threat detection, firewall monitoring, and update coordination. The process starts with Windows and communicates with engine modules, the user interface, and cloud services to keep your system protected.
This process manages real-time protection, threat analysis, and updates, coordinating between the engine, UI, and services. It is digitally signed by NortonLifeLock to verify authenticity and helps isolate protection components for stability.
Quick Fact: Norton Security uses a modular, multi-process architecture to separate scanning, UI, and network protection for better stability and security.
Types of Norton Processes
- Norton Security Engine Process: Core antivirus engine performing real-time protection
- Protection User Interface: GUI for Norton Security and status alerts
- Update Service: Downloads and applies virus definition updates
- Cloud/Telemetry Connector: Synchronizes with Norton cloud services for threat data
- Firewall/Network Monitor: Manages firewall rules and network protection
- Background Maintenance: Scheduled tasks like cleanup, log management
Is nortonsecurity.exe Safe?
Yes, nortonsecurity.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from NortonLifeLock downloaded from official sources (norton.com or the official installer).
Is nortonsecurity.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real nortonsecurity.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if nortonsecurity.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Norton Security\Engine\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Security\Engine\. Any nortonsecurity.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click nortonsecurity.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "NortonLifeLock, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-15% CPU per process, 100-350 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Norton components should not behave like typical background noise. If you notice unexpected network activity or UI prompts from unknown sources, investigate.
Red Flags: If nortonsecurity.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when Norton isn’t open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with reputable antivirus software. Beware of similarly named files such as "nortonsecurity32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is nortonsecurity.exe Running on My PC?
nortonsecurity.exe runs when Norton Security protections are active or when background tasks such as scanning, updates, and cloud synchronization are in progress.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Protection: Realtime scanning and behavior protection are continuously running to catch threats as you browse and work.
- Background Updates: Virus definitions and product components update in the background to keep protections current.
- Startup Services: Norton may launch at user login to ensure immediate protection on system startup.
- Scheduled Scans: Automatic scans scheduled by Norton can start without user interaction.
- Cloud Threat Intelligence: Orleans of cloud-protected data can trigger process activity as Norton checks unknown files against cloud catalogs.
Can I Disable or Remove nortonsecurity.exe?
Yes, you can disable nortonsecurity.exe. Temporarily pausing protection is possible via the Norton UI, and you can uninstall Norton Security if you prefer another security solution.
How to Stop nortonsecurity.exe
- Pause Protection: Open Norton Security -> Settings -> Real-Time Protection -> Toggle Off (pause) temporarily.
- Exit Norton UI: From the system tray, right-click Norton and choose Exit or Close to stop all Norton UI components.
- End Specific Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate nortonsecurity.exe and related processes, then End Task (use with caution).
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Norton Security to stop it from launching at login.
- Stop Background Tasks: In Norton Settings -> General or Privacy, disable options like 'Continue running background apps when Norton is closed' if available.
How to Uninstall Norton Security
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Norton Security → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Norton Security → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstallation and consider alternative security software if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If nortonsecurity.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Scanning Tasks: Review scheduled scans in Norton Security and reduce frequency or schedule during idle times.
- Background Extensions or Modules: Disable nonessential Norton modules via the UI to reduce overhead.
- Outdated Definitions: Update virus definitions and Norton to the latest version from Norton Security -> Help -> Check for Updates.
- Conflicting Security Software: Having multiple antivirus products can cause high resource usage. Uninstall other security software.
- Web Protection/Shield Settings: Tweak Safe Web or Web Protection settings for lighter operation while browsing.
- Scan of Large or Encrypted Files: Pause or schedule scans during light usage and exclude heavy directories if safe.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Norton Security Task Manager and identify high-usage components
2. Pause real-time protection temporarily to test CPU impact
3. Update Norton to the latest build
4. Disable unnecessary modules in Norton Settings
5. Schedule scans for off-peak hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nortonsecurity.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate nortonsecurity.exe is part of Norton Security and should be located in C:\Program Files\Norton Security\Engine\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Norton Security\Engine\ and signed by NortonLifeLock.
Why is nortonsecurity.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage spikes can occur during active scans, updates, or cloud threat checks. Use Norton Task Manager (within the UI) to identify the specific component and adjust settings or schedule.
Can I delete nortonsecurity.exe?
You should not delete nortonsecurity.exe directly. Uninstall Norton Security through Windows Settings or Control Panel if you no longer want the product.
Can I disable nortonsecurity.exe?
Yes, you can temporarily disable protection from the Norton UI. For longer-term changes, use startup management or uninstall the product.
Why does Norton start at startup?
Norton starts at login to provide immediate protection and load background services like updates and cloud threat intelligence as soon as Windows boots.
How do I reduce Norton CPU and memory usage?
Update to the latest version, reduce scheduled scans, disable nonessential modules, and consider enabling Memory Saver or excluding non-critical directories from scans.