There are myriad apps available to protect Mac users from security threats. We take a look at some of the more effective apps available.
FireWall CyberGuard Fights Cyber-Threats
To protect against online threats, Mac users can try out Firewall CyberGuard. The app comes with a network monitor so users can analyze IP addresses connected to an access point. In addition, users can protect themselves against man-in-the-middle attacks and shield against spam and phishing. Firewall CyberGuard is available for $8.99.
Fight Adware and Viruses With AntiVirus Sentinel Pro
AntiVirus Sentinel Pro is another paid app that's designed to protect users against online threats, including identify theft and phishing scams. However, it adds in a scanner for adware and viruses, making it even more attractive. AntiVirus Sentinel Pro has a proprietary malware-detection algorithm and a handy user interface to complement its offering. It costs $9.99.
Protect Your Log-in Credentials With 1Password
For those who want to keep their user credentials safe and sound, there's 1Password. The Mac app, which goes for $24.99, is designed to create unique passwords for log-in credentials and then store them inside the app for safekeeping. It requires just one password to open the app, effectively eliminating any need to remember complex passwords. It's a great way to protect against stolen credentials.
Protect Your Identity With VPN Unlimited
VPN Unlimited is another useful app for those who want to secure a connection to a corporate network. The app, which goes for $15.99 per year, is a full-fledged VPN, letting users anonymize their connections, jump on other networks and more. VPN Unlimited is an easy-to-use app and even includes a seven-day money-back guarantee if users don't like it.
Another Privacy App With PrivacyScan
PrivacyScan could be a useful way to safeguard against apps that attempt to collect user information. The app roams the Mac to find apps tracking a user's movements on the Web, caching files, and archiving cookies and temporary files. PrivacyScan is essentially a way to stay safe against spyware that wants to keep track of a user's digital footprint. It costs $14.99.
TrendMicro Rides Herd on Mac Malware
TrendMicro offers a wide range of security suites for users. For the Mac, users can choose an antivirus solution to seek out and find malware. Like other apps, users can set TrendMicro to automatically scan for malicious files and update a database to continue to protect the machine against new threats. It costs $29.95 per Mac per year.
Panda Is Another Stalwart Endpoint Security Package
Panda is another antivirus application designed to protect users against malicious content, like viruses and spyware. The app runs in real time to provide ongoing protection and includes automatic updates. Discovered malware is automatically quarantined and can be removed upon detection. Panda pricing starts at $76.
McAfee Focuses on Internet Security
In addition to the standard antivirus, McAfee offers Internet security, so users can safeguard against phishing attacks and even malware that could crop up on social networks. However, like some of the other higher-end applications, it's relatively pricey at $80 per year.
ESET Wards Off Cyber-Threats
ESET's Cyber Security platform is designed with online security in mind. The app will of course fight the typical endpoint virus attacks, however, it also provides protection against online malware, phishing threats and malicious links on social media. ESET says that it's optimized its user interface for ease of use and that its Mac platform offers cross-platform protection, so threats don't move from a Mac to Linux. The app costs $59.99 per year.
Don't Forget About Find My Mac
While there may be some solid third-party apps that promise Mac users protection, Apple offers its own security tools. Not only does the company's Find My Mac help users discover the location of their lost or stolen Mac, however, it enables users to sound an alarm, lock it down or wipe it clean to protect against personal data theft. Best of all, it's free.
Security is obviously a concern on a Mac. For that reason, a variety of software vendors—from early-stage startups to well-known corporate giants—offer solutions designed to protect Mac users from Internet-based threats, local malware and even physical theft. Indeed, a quick perusal of Apple's Mac App Store finds a wealth of antivirus applications, virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls. The best applications tend to be paid, requiring customers to pay for the app either once or annually, depending on the program they choose. However, as with anything in security, the expense is typically worth it—that is, if the app works well. The apps are all available now, and while some may be a bit expensive, they all go a long way in capably safeguarding critical data and protecting users against malicious threats. Read on to learn more about some of the most highly respected security apps for the Mac.
- eWeek