Symantec Corp. is in talks to split its business into two new companies, one that sells security programs and the other that focuses on data storage. The company declined to comment on the speculation. But for months it has been rumored the company was in talks with banks to advise them on possible strategies and also to protect itself from activist investors. A split may position the firm's two businesses as possible targets for an acquisition from a bigger firm such as EMC Corp. or Hewlett Packard Co. who both are eyeing stand alone securities businesses and storage businesses.