What if there’s already something installed on your computer that’s trying to make a questionable connection to the internet? That qualifies as an outgoing connection, which is where Little Snitch comes in.įrom Objective Development Software GmbH, Little Snitch is a $29.95 application that gives Mac users (running 10.4 or later) more control over the internet traffic originating from their computer. The problem, even though it works well, is that it can only block incoming connections to your computer. Tiger’s firewall is located in System Preferences > Sharing, while Leopard’s firewall can be found at System Preferences > Security. That’s why turning on Mac OS X’s integrated firewall is a good idea. Little Snitch is a $29.95 third-party firewall that covers everything the built-in one does not.Īlthough Macs are inherently more secure than Windows PCs, that does not mean they are invincible. While it is effective, it does not manage all connections to and from a Mac. While functional and easy to use for those with security knowledge, Little Snitch for Mac's price may not be worth the limited functioning, and those looking for security may be better off looking elsewhere.Įditors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Little Snitch for Mac 3.0.3.Mac OS X features its own firewall, which resides in System Preferences. While this sounds similar to a firewall, the program claims only to be a privacy application rather than a full security program.
This could not be evaluated since we didn't have any applications that tried to do this, although the program indicated it was up and running. After setting up defaults, it monitors the user's system for programs that attempt to send data out. In terms of function, the program requires little interaction and runs in the background. While advanced users would not likely have a problem with this, the potentially complicated permissions needed to tailor the program would be too much for beginners. Technical support and updates exist, but the program contained no visible instructions on how to use it. An extensive and complicated end-user agreement also needed to be accepted.
While it does include a native installer, loading the program proved tricky and required a restart in order for it to work. After that, $29.95 buys the full version with no restrictions. Little Snitch for Mac can be tried out for free for 30 days. With Little Snitch for Mac, users can prevent personal information from being sent out, although its limited features may not be worth the program's price.
Despite fewer malware threats to Mac systems, there is still a need for data protection.
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