MacTribe: Computer Security Hardware, Software, SecureMac, Kensington, Absolute Software

We love our Macs: the design, the cult status, the ease of use, the incredible performance. Unfortunately, all the things that we love about our little pieces of heaven also make them very attractive to thieves. That sleek design makes for great “resale value,” and the wealth of personal information on your hard drive can drain your bank account—fast. Good news, though: there are plenty of security options that guarantee you won’t be clutching your computer like Gollum…publicly at least. (Although loping around whispering “my pretty…” may, in and of itself, be a fantastic theft deterrent.) MacTribe has sifted through the options that won’t get you committed; read on to find your personal ultimate in protection for your laptops and desktops.

Let's Start at the Very Beginning
This month, a huge phishing scam breached thousands of Hotmail accounts and quickly spread to other Internet mail providers. Phishing, in case you’re blissfully unaware, is a type of attack based on clicking fraudulent links in emails or providing account information to an address that looks like your email provider, bank, or mom. There are a few ways to avoid this scam, but one should go without saying: never open a link or give any passwords without knowing it’s safe. It’s the online equivalent of calling the hotel’s front desk to verify the employee at your door, and it could save you from tons of hassle…and spam.

Absolute Software LoJack for Laptops
First up is a software option with serious consequences for any Mac-minded thief, Absolute Software's LoJack for Laptops is a great way to keep your stuff safe. All you have to do is install it on your machine (running OS X 10.4 or higher, please) and in the event that your laptop is taken you contact the forensic team at Absolute. Next time your computer connects to the internet, they use their CompuTrace Agent--which has been in daily contact with LoJack Monitoring Center--to trace your computer's physical location and any activity that's occurred since the theft was reported.

As if that wasn't cool enough, regardless of the status of your recovery, LoJack can delete sensitive personal data remotely so you don't have to break a sweat about a baddie breaking into your bank account. And if they can't find your computer or complete the data deletion, you could be eligible for a $1,000 service guarantee. We love it when companies stand behind their products.

www.absolute.com | Price: $59.99

Hardware Options
If you’d rather click links willy-nilly there are ways for you to stay protected. Most notably is Yoggie’s Gatekeeper Pico, just released for Macs at the beginning of 2008—hey, even OS X could use some backup. It’s a computer for your computer, totally dedicated to security. It works by sitting between your Mac and the internet and is hardware based—just plug it into your USB port and let it worry about keeping your baby safe from viruses, phishing and tracking. An added bonus? Since the Yoggie doesn't’t download anything onto your hard drive, you should see increased performance because no CPU power is being diverted to security. (www.yoggie.com/Gatekeeper-Pico-for-Mac, $119.00)

Also hardware based but with a different aim is the upek Eikon for Mac: if you’ve ever watched a spy caper and been captivated by biometric technology, this device will light up your life. The Eikon uses your fingerprint as a password to get to your desktop so your data’s safe from prying eyes. Once plugged in only you have access to your information but it doesn't’t stop there: Eikon also keeps passwords in your key chain and allows you to switch between users and lock your screen all with a swipe of your finger. (www.upek.com/solutions/mac/, $39.99)

Traditional Options
If hardware based security is a little far out for your taste, the traditional software route is just as easy. Actually, the first security software ever made for Macs is still going strong: it’s called MacScan, and it aims to eliminate spyware completely. It’s The Mac OS has always been more secure than its Windows counterpart, but that just means you’re safe from viruses, not insidious meanies like keystroke loggers and tracking cookies. MacScan identifies, removes and notifies you of all the malware on your system, and it counts over eight thousand tracking cookies on its kill list. It also has about fifty programs on its radar, and lasers in on the spyware, keystroke loggers and trojans that are most likely to attack your Mac. (macscan.securemac.com/, $29.99)

While we’ve discussed gadgets and software that protect your privacy and information, there’s also the very real possibility that your Mac can be physically stolen…and your laptop is most at risk. We don’t want to worry you so we’ve made a short list of the most practical ways to keep your laptop safe short of chaining it to your leg. Please…put the padlock down: we’ve got you covered.

Use Your Ports Wisely
Channel those padlocking desires into an appropriate outlet! The Kensington Microsaver Keyed Notebook Lock, for example, fits right into the Kensington Slot on your MacBook or MacBook Pro and uses a T-bar locking mechanism to bolt the six feet of carbon enforced steel cable to your computer’s frame. Solid protection and peace of mind are afforded to you just by looping the cable around your desk (and knowing that a Mac with a busted security port is a hard sell as it’s very clearly stolen)! (us.kensington.com/html/11204.html, $44.99)

Bags and Sudden Motion Sensors
That’s all well and good at home, but what about at the airport? In your hotel? On tour with your band? For all those scenarios and most other travel situations, the PacSafe line of laptop bags keeps your computer in a security bubble nothing can burst. From slash-proof straps to an anchor lock to secure the bag to, say, a handy column, this bag is like a security team for your Mac. Round it out with lockable zippers and eXomesh slash-proof mesh on the sides and front and we’re serious: nothing’s getting in this bag. We even included this in our video podcast! (www.pacsafe.com/, $99.99)

If you actually like to use your computer during your downtime, there’s always JackSMS, created to keep your Mac safe when it’s in use. This neat free download takes advantage of your laptop’s Sudden Motion Sensor (which was meant to safeguard your hard drive from falls) and sets off a series of alarms when it detects that your laptop has been unplugged from power or is all of a sudden moving faster than it should be. It’s a simple system, but with fun extras—fun being relative—like text alerts and even an emailed iSight picture to try and identify the thief, this is something every Mac user should have. (www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/21860, Free)

With all these security options to choose from, you’ll have the safest Mac on the block; not only that, but you’ll be able to boot up every day secure in the knowledge that you’ve done everything you can to keep your investment safe from all varieties of threat. Just don’t get all crazy on us—let your technology make sure you’re safe!