Reply to K & N
I'm wondering about this too ? - I do not know what version of Windows you are using but as a Windows 8.1 User - I have not noticed a significant increase in the number of Background Scans - I have to warn you that my windows usage has gradually declined as I have changed to other operating systems. This pattern has become common for me over the last few months.
A facit of the product is that; it makes a best guess of what is happening to your network streaming - perhaps the threat level of your internet traffic: has like increased ? - Its a complex issue and I still use Norton on my Win 8.1 PC