Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Intego's combination of malware detection and eradication plus active network monitoring and reporting makes it an effective solution for the latest threats.

- CHRIS BARYLICK

It may not be perfect, but sometimes a software company gets its utility completely right, complete with a focus that deserves additional attention. Intego's Mac Internet Security X9 falls into this category, the utility bundling the company's VirusBarrier (at the time of this review, version 10.9.85 build 3495) and NetBarrier (version 10.9.31 build 884) applications to act as both an antiviral protection program as well as a network traffic filtering program, a component you don't often see included with security software at this sort of price. Together they promise a high level of protection against direct and indirect unwanted software and malware threats.

Simple to download, install, and configure after granting the application full access to your Mac's files, the program then checks for the latest viral definitions, downloads them, and gets to work setting up real-time scanning features as well as intuitive network monitoring that allows you to see and work with both incoming and outgoing internet connections on your Mac. The software requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later to install and run, which puts it within easy reach of a number of older Macs as well as the newest ones.

PRICE

We have a deal right now where you can get Mac Security X9 for $24.99 (fave.co/4dgxjc2) for one Mac for one year. The usual price for the first year is $39.99, which then goes up to $49.99 a year for subsequent years. The price tiers (fave.co/4df4UD9) change depending on the number of devices as well as the length of the subscription.