Despite much-publicized Flashback infections in 2012, most Mac users still don’t need antivirus software. We explain why, and which situations might warrant it.
2012 was a watershed year for Apple’s security efforts. While dealing with significant challenges, the company made strong advances, setting the stage for strong security for years to come.
The combination of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion’s Gatekeeper and Apple’s recently enacted sandboxing requirement for the Mac App Store will provide Mac users with significant protection from attackers, but Apple will need to maintain the right balance of control and freedom or risk hamstringing the Mac platform.
Adds the Gatekeeper security feature to Lion, along with a smattering of other fixes. (Free update, 894 MB to 1.91 GB)
The latest version of the long-standing network backup program Retrospect backs up more quickly thanks to new Instant Scan technology, adds support for Mountain Lion, and improves various low-level behaviors.
Notable software releases this week include CloudPull 2.2, Default Folder X 4.5.7, Transmit 4.3.3, DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.5.1, Evernote 5.0.6, ScreenFlow 4.0.3, GraphicConverter 8.5.3, and Java for OS X 2013-002 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 14.
Adds compatibility with Mountain Lion and detection of USB 3.0 connection speeds, plus provides a number of fixes. ($99.99 new, free update, 54.8 MB)
Now built using Cocoa, the new release is compatible with Mountain Lion and shifts Web video capture exclusively to Safari. ($99.99 new, free update, 88.5 MB)
Adds support for Gatekeeper, fixes a few bugs, and provides compatibility with the Daylite CalDAV server. ($49.99 new, free update, 6.7 MB)
Fixes an issue that prevented ClamXav Sentry from launching at login when running Mountain Lion. (Free, 16.9 MB)
Updates version available from Golden Hill Software with compatibility for OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion’s Gatekeeper security feature. ($24.99 new, free update, 7.7 MB)
Notable software releases this week include iBank 4.6, Growl 2.0, Parallels Desktop 8.0.18101, KeyCue 6.3, SpamSieve 2.9.5, Typinator 5.2, Microsoft Office 2011 14.2.4 and 2008 12.3.4, Security Update 2012-004 (Snow Leopard), Mac OS X 10.7.5 Lion Server, EFI and SMC Updates for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, iPhoto 9.4, Aperture 3.4, Mac OS X 10.7.5 Lion, TechTool Pro 6.0.5, Coda 2.0.3, and GraphicConverter 8.3.
Enables audio capture from Safari, QuickTime Player, FaceTime, and Messages on Mountain Lion without use of Instant On component. ($32 new, free update, 5.5 MB)
Updates all three versions of DEVONthink plus DEVONnote to be compatible with Mountain Lion’s features, including Gatekeeper, Notification Center, and sharing services. (All updates are free. DEVONthink Pro Office, $149.95 new; DEVONthink Professional, $79.95 new; DEVONthink Personal, $49.95 new; DEVONnote, $24.95 new)
Provides fixes for volume control on some third-party hardware, access to Netflix’s full-screen mode on the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and more. ($25 new, free update, 9.6 MB)
