Security Reviews for macOS and iOS
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iOS Central
Private Pics for iPhone
If you've got photos on your iPhone or iPod touch that you want to keep out of the public view, both the free and paid versions of Private Pics can meet your needs.Reviews
iPhone Configuration Utility 2.0
iPhone Configuration Utility 2.0 is a big step forward to help Apple gain a foothold in corporate environments, but it still has some glaring flaws.iOS Central
Rise of Lost Empires
Gameloft has managed to strike the right balance between real-time strategy gameplay and lots of action with Rise of Lost Empires. The game does away with some of the more tedious aspects of the genre so that you can focus on the fast-moving though still strategic action.Mac Gems
Meerkat digs SSH tunnels
Meerkat takes some of the pain out of creating SSH tunnels, making it easier to make secure connections between computers.iOS Central
My Eyes Only for iPhone
When it comes to storing data for credit cards, memberships, social security cards, and other IDs in one place, My Eyes Only does a secure, reliable job. But the app's interface is weak, and it could stand some more customization capabilities.Reviews
SpamX 4.0
While SpamX remains unparalleled at reporting spammers to their ISPs, and offers a very effective spam filtering solution, all of the problems we noted with version 3 remain with version 4.From the Lab
Data Locker Pro AES
Data Locker ensures that your data remains secure from hackers and unwanted intrusions, though youu2019ll have to make some compromises.Reviews
Spector Pro mac 2009
Spector Pro mac 2009 is a powerful keylogging tool with the additional capability of giving you a visual representation of everything that is being done on a monitored computer at any point in time.Reviews
eBlaster 2009
Key-logging software like eBlaster can secretly record all the keystrokes on one computer and surreptitiously send those keystrokes via e-mail to another. eBlaster works, and works quite well.Mac Gems
GlimmerBlocker blocks Web ads
GlimmerBlocker is an ad blocker that is safe to install because it doesnu2019t hack Safari.Reviews
iAntiVirus 1.0
If you're more concerned about Mac-specific threats on your personal Mac than with passing along Windows viruses to your friends, iAntiVirus is worth installing. It is free (for personal use), scans many files quickly, and isn't resource intensive.iOS Central
PicVault for iPhone
John Moffettu2019s app is a compelling blend of privacy and functionality for keeping your mobile photos under lock and key.iOS Central
Password Generator 2.0 for iPhone
This clever utility simplifies the task of creating difficult-to-crack passwords for you by randomly spawning strings of passcodes based on variables of your choosing.Mac Gems
Shimo 2.0.9
For those who spend time connected to VPNs, Shimo 2 is a flexible and easy-to-use replacement for other VPN clients.Mobile Mac
Zegari Minimalist
The Minimalist is a well-designed, well-made laptop bag with lots of style; whether or not you like that style is bound to be the issue.
iOS Central
Review: 1Password for iPhone
1Password is an excellent web site login and secret-keeping application on the Mac. How well does its new iPhone counterpart work?Reviews
Review: NetBarrier X5
Intego's NetBarrier X5 looks like a nice alternative to OS X's built-in firewall. But its tendency to block legitimate network traffic could make it a poor choice for home users.Reviews
Review: KidsGoGoGo 12.6
KidsGoGoGo is a parental control and Internet filtering program that can block Web access as well as allow you to set time restrictions on Web browsers and applications. It has a few features that complement Mac OS X 10.5u2019s Parental Controls. But its outdated interface, odd feature execution, and a general feeling of inattentiveness from the developer detract from its usefulness.Reviews
Review: ContentBarrier X4
With ContentBarrier X4, you can set up user restrictions for Internet access, block Web sites, limit instant messaging, and maintain activity logs to get an idea of what people are doing.iOS Central
Review: Secret keeper apps for the iPhone
Several programs for the iPhone and iPod touch are designed to help you keep your confidential data confidential. Rob Griffiths focuses on three contendersu2014LockBox, eWallet, and SplashID.
Reviews
Review: ClamXav 1.1
ClamXav 1.1 is an able antivirus program that will keep your Mac protected, though it doesnu2019t offer all the features that more-expensive programs do. But the price is hard to beat.Reviews
Review: SecuriKey Professional Edition 2.1
SecuriKey offers a quick and easy way for mobile users to keep data on their Mac away from prying eyes. While the setup of additional users on a system can be confusing, SecuriKey just works.Reviews
Review: IPNetSentryX 1.6.5
Even if youu2019re an experienced and fearless network administrator, IPNetSentryXu2019s complexities may give you pause. Still, considering what you can accomplish with this firewall software, the effort is well rewarded.Reviews
Review: Internet Cleanup 5.0
Internet Cleanup can simplify the job of en masse deletions of your Internet activities across several browsers. But it duplicates some features already built into Mac OS X or your favorite browser. And other Internet Cleanup features offer a mixed bag.Reviews
Review: VirusBarrier X5
If you're in the market for a fast-working antivirus program, VirusBarrier X5 10.5.2 is the gold standard. It will protect your Mac without making your other work grind to a halt.
Reviews
Review: Norton AntiVirus 11
Norton AntiVirus (NAV) is the 800-pound gorilla of antivirus software, on both the Mac and the PC, and NAV 11 proves that reputation is well deserved.Mac Gems
LicenseKeeper 1.4
Outer Levelu2019s LicenseKeeper is a great way to store and organize software license data.Mac Gems
NoobProof 1.1 and WaterRoof 2.0
Mac OS Xu2019s built-in firewall works well, but Apple offers very few options for configuration. Hanynetu2019s NoobProof and WaterRoof are utilities that provide just such customization.Mac Gems
Little Snitch 2.0.3
A useful companion to Mac OS X's built-in firewall, Little Snitch alerts you when programs "phone home" and lets you control outgoing network connections.rnMac Gems
Pastor 1.8
Pastor is a free, easy-to-use program for securely storing passwords, software licenses, and other personal data.rnrnReviews
1Psswd 2.4
1Psswd offers a variety of capabilities, including letting you store more than one set of information per site, save passwords in one browser and use them in another, and create new passwords whenever you need to.Reviews
DoorStop X Security Suite 2.0
DoorStop X Security Suite 2.0 is a best-of-breed program that not only performs the important task of decoding OS X’s built-in firewall utility, but also helps you understand its process.Reviews
Norton Confidential 1.1
Some of Norton Confidential’s features work well, but others are less polished; in addition, the program’s manual is cursory at best, leading users to guess about what protection some features actually offer.Reviews
Safe Eyes 2006
Safe Eyes 2006 is a tool that’s designed to help parents control the flow of content from the Internet into the home. Unfortunately, while Safe Eyes shows promise, it’s not the ideal solution to the problem.Reviews
MacScan 2.1
Despite the fact that it takes care of its business reasonably well, most users can probably live without MacScan. While Windows users might need a dedicated spyware-catcher, our review finds no real need for such specific Mac software.Reviews
MacScan 2.1
MacScan scans your hard drive for spyware and cleans up after your Web browsing. But do Mac users really need a dedicated app to handle those tasks?Reviews
DoorStop X Security Suite
DoorStop X Security Suite is an easy-to-configure front end to Apple’s built-in firewall application. When used in tandem with the Who’s There? log viewer and the excellent supporting documentation, it can help keep your Mac safe.Reviews
Mac OS X Firewall
While Apple’s built-in firewall application lacks the flash and reporting capabilities of some firewall programs, it will still get the job done.Reviews
NetBarrier X4 10.4.1
While NetBarrier X 10.4.1’s default configurations are probably either too permissive or too secure for most users, customization will allow for all the Internet and network access you need, while protecting you from the bad guys.Reviews
Norton Personal Firewall 3.0.3
Symantec’s Norton Personal Firewall 3.0.3 is a simple and effective firewall application that’s easy enough for novices to use, yet powerful enough to protect your system and offer a wealth of configuration options.Reviews
Flying Buttress 1.4
Flying Buttress is a very nice addition to Apple’s built-in firewall, providing easy access to features that would otherwise be unavailable unless you are capable of configuring OS X’s built-in firewall via the Terminal interface.Reviews
IPNetSentryX
IPNetSentryX is not for novices, nor will it protect your Macintosh single-handedly. But, if you understand how to analyze network traffic and want to keep using OS X’s built-in firewall, IPNetSentryX can be a powerful weapon in your security arsenal.Reviews
Little Snitch 1.2
Little Snitch strikes a good balance between automatically blocking potential problems and letting users decide what connections to allow. This is a great tool for anyone who uses a wide variety of software.Reviews
ClamXav 1.0.3
Despite its user interface issues and slow scanning speed, ClamXav will provide a good level of protection for the typical user, and you can’t beat its price.
Reviews
ClamXav 1.0.1
Despite its user interface issues and slow scanning speed, ClamXav will provide a good level of protection for the typical user, and you can’t beat its price.Reviews
Intego VirusBarrier X4
Intego’s VirusBarrier X4 will do a great job of protecting your machine from malware and Trojans. While it’s the most expensive antivirus app we tested, it’s also the fastest and easy to use.
Reviews
Norton AntiVirus 10.1
Once installed and running, Norton AntiVirus 10.1 is easy to use and customize and reasonably speedy, and it does a good job of catching malware. But if you’re just going to try it out, be careful about all the components it installs on your Mac.Reviews
Timbuktu Pro 8.5
Timbuktu Pro remains the gold standard for Macintosh remote control. A remote install, encryption, and user authentication features make this a must-have upgrade for anyone using 7.0 or earlier.Reviews