Security Reviews for macOS and iOS
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Mac Gems
Encrypto review: Shields files from prying eyes before they’re sent
Encrypto makes it drag-and-drop simple to protect files before sending them through less-secure services like email.Reviews
Wearable security: Authentication apps for Apple Watch
Early extensions of iPhone apps for varying forms of authentication find a useful home as Watch apps.Reviews
Review: LastPass for Mac protects your passwords but needs polish
LastPass goes up against 1Password with its new Mac app, but doesn't fare so well.
Reviews
Review: 1Password 5 for Mac offers state-of-the-art protection for your passwords and more
The latest release of AgileBits' password manager is as good as ever — and a perfect companion for OS X Yosemite.Mac Gems
Periscope Pro review: Keep an eye on your domicile with this Mac surveillance app
Periscope Pro may not be super cheap, but itu2019ll still probably run you less than a professional security system, and it offers plenty of features.Mac Gems
AirBeam Pro 1.5 review: Turn your Mac and iOS devices into a home-surveillance system
Wondering what to do with your unused-but-still-usable iOS devices? You can use them with your Mac as surveillance cameras, using AirBeam Pro.Reviews
Review: 1Password 4.5 brings a mature security app into the world of iOS 7
AgileBits's secure vault gets a facelift for iOS 7 and gains new functionality, but at its root it's still the same app you've come to know and love.Mac Gems
Hider 2 review: Create a secure digital hidey-hole on your Mac
Hider 2 isn't a perfect solution for securing your data, but it will likely suit the needs of the average non-spy.
Reviews
1Password 4 for Mac review: State-of-the-art password management for everyone
For years, 1Password has been the go-to app for managing your secure itemsu2014and the newly released version 4 is as good as ever.Reviews
Passwarden review: An interesting but flawed password manager for OS X
Passwarden may not be the absolute best password manager in the market, but it has a few interesting features and, despite its flaws, does many things right.Mac Gems
Mac Gems: Stay connected with VPN AutoConnect and stop VPN headaches
VPN AutoConnect is a simple utility for staying connected to a virtual private network.Reviews
Review: Keeper password manager is powerful and simple, but pricey
Keeper helps you keep your logins safe from prying eyes with a simple and effective user interface that works across just about any platform you can thing of. Unfortunately, syncing — a feature that just about everyone needs these days — comes at a steep price.Mac Gems
Mac Gems: OneSafe gives 1Password some password-saving competition
There's no shortage of password managers for OS X, but Lunabee's OneSafe, like the popular 1Password, sets itself apart with a smart feature set and impressive usability.Reviews
Review: Aegis Bio 3.0 hard drive ideal for security conscious users
Apricornu2019s Aegis Bio 3.0 pairs solid performance with enhanced security features to create a nice, all-around external hard drive.Reviews
Review: LastPass takes your passwords to the cloud
If you've always wanted to try a password manager but cost and complexity have held you back, LastPass offers a great solution that is easy to use and comes with a wonderfully attractive price tag.Reviews
Review: PassLocker helps iOS remember your passwords
Password management is anything but simple; Innovationbox's attempt to bring order to chaos is not entirely successful, but offers a good entry point for those on a budget.Reviews
Review: PassLocker is a simple but flawed password manager for OS X
If you're being overrun by passwords but dread the thought of spending much of your hard-earned money on a password manager, Passlocker is a simple alternative that, despite its flaws, can help you make sense of a growing credential-storage problem.Reviews
Review: Proximo lets you use your iPhone to find your keys
Kensington's Proximo uses Bluetooth-enabled fobs and tags that enable you to use your iPhone to find your keys or other valuables.
Reviews
Review: 1Password for iOS keeps your digital life safe
Agile Bits's from-the-ground-up rewrite of its popular password-management software brings many crucial improvements over its predecessor.Mac Gems
Mac Gems: Little Snitch snitches on misbehaving apps
Little Snitch provides network and privacy protection in a package that's easy to recommend to an entire range of users, from beginner to sophisticated. It's easy to use and train, yet itu2019s powerful enough for demanding users.
Mac Gems
Destroy Internet tracking files with PrivacyScan
PrivacyScan offers a one-stop way to mitigate common privacy concerns by identifying and destroying Internet files placed on your computer that track your usage and reveal your online activities to others.Mac Gems
Three Gems-heavy bundles offer great bargains
Three current software bundles include Mac Gems, offering a slew of good software at even-better-than-usual prices.Reviews
CrashPlan+: Reliable cloud backup and online storage
CrashPlan+ is a cloud-based online backup program that offers three ways to access saved data: through an iOS app, through desktop software, or through CrashPlanu2019s website.Mac Gems
Cloak secures your Internet traffic without the hassle
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks can be risky. Cloak gives you the benefits of a virtual private network (VPN) without the usual setup, configuration, and activation hassles.rn
Reviews
McAfee protects your Mac without affecting performance
McAfee Internet Security for Mac 2012 is a multipronged and easy-to-manage extra layer that doesnu2019t seem to slow my computer down one bit.Reviews
Sophos SafeGuard for Mac 5.5 is a powerful encryption tool
SafeGuard is a good choice for anyone who prefers not to rely on Apple for their encryption needs.Mac Gems
Padlock 1.0.1
Padlock lets you lock your Mac's screen, either by putting the display to sleep or by starting the screensaver, using the keyboard.Reviews
Identity Finder 5.1 helps keep your personal data secure
This scanning program is dedicated to rooting out personal information cached without encryption anywhere on your computer's internal and attached disks. It can also securely delete, encrypt, or move files with troubling personal details.Mac Gems
Übermask 1.1
u00dcbermask allows users to hide files or folders from view by rendering them invisible to Finder, Spotlight and even popular add-on utilities like Quicksilver and Alfred.iOS Central
Witness Remote for iPhone and iPad
This free app pairs neatly with Orbicule's Witness alarm software for Mac OS X to turn your Mac into a home security system.Reviews
Orbicule Witness security utility
This security alarm utility, which works in conjunction with a free mobile app and website, has a lot of elegance to its approach, and requires little in the way of configuration or fuss. Witness provides an easy way to layer the potential of catching a thief in the act and recovering stolen property without requiring much in the way of management.iOS Central
Aegis for iPhone
There's a straightforward idea behind Aegis — an app that sounds an alarm when someone makes a grab for your iPhone. But a number of limitations — some of which are out of the developer's control — keeps this app from serving as a reliable security tooliOS Central
GadgetTrak for iPhone and iPad
This app for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad can help you recover an errant piece of mobile hardware. GadgetTrak adds to your peace of mind at a relatively low cost.Reviews
Lok-It Pocket Drive
Keypad PIN entry along with AES 256-bit hardware encryption make this flash drive a solid choice for keeping data protected on the go.Reviews
1Password 3
Agile Web Solutionsu2019 1Password 3 is one of the best password management tools available. Several robust and powerful features make it nearly indispensible.iOS Central
HelTweetica for iPad
It might lack the polish of other Twitter clients, but this iPad app puts the core features of the microblogging service front and center, while making other new and unique tools quickly accessible.Reviews
Adobe Premiere Elements 9 Integrates Social Network Uploads, but Lacks Strong Integration With Its Organizer App
Not a huge upgrade, but still an excellent video editor, especially for the price.From the Lab
Apricorn Aegis Padlock Pro 640GB
The Aegis Padlock Pro offers the added security of being able to protect your files both physically and digitally, which is something few other companies can offer the average consumeriOS Central
Mobile Active Defense for iPhone
This app promises to help guard your iPhone from malicious mail, and its approach is pretty straightforward. Still, our tests were unable to indicate just how much safer your e-mail is with this $17 app and service. Still, a free version lets you try Mobile Active Defense for free to judge for yourself.iOS Central
Password Caddy for iPhone
Password manager applications are all about security and convenience. This app, while not perfect, handles both aspects well.Reviews
Spector Pro Mac 2010
Undercover monitoring software lets you see everything that happens on your Mac.Reviews
eBlaster Mac 2010
SpectorSoftu2019s eBlaster Mac 2010 is a powerful tool for surreptitiously monitoring every keystroke someone makes on their computer.Mac Gems
Espionage keeps your data safe from spying eyes
Espionage provides a unique twist on encrypted disk images, integrating them with Finder folders.iOS Central
1Password and 1Password Pro for iPhone
In these days of login-mania, a password manager is almost a requirement if you want to keep your data secure while maintaining your sanity. 1Password on the Mac and the iPhone is a hard combination to beat, regardless of which version of the mobile app you use.Mac Gems
More Gems I’m thankful for
Some Gems become such an integral part of your Macu2019s day-to-day operation that you take them for granted. Dan Frakes revisits his Thanksgiving-day column to cover more Gems heu2019s thankful for.Mac Gems
Password Assistant exposes OS X’s built-in password generator
If you'd like to use OS X's built-in password generator to create secure passwords for Websites, online accounts, and disk images, Password Assistant provides easy access.Reviews
DoorStop X Security Suite 2.3
DoorStop X Security Suite is a collection of three tools designed to leverage your Macu2019s built-in firewall, help you understand how others are trying to access your computer, and to help you understand how to keep your Mac secure.Reviews