Internet Security Barrier X6 is the latest version of the full-service security suite from Intego, a company which is widely recognized as the leading specialist in Mac security. Internet Security Barrier is a competitor to the likes of McAfee VirusScan and Norton Internet Security.
Packages of this nature are becoming increasingly popular, largely because Mac users are recognizing that there are security threats beyond just viruses and malware out there. Internet Security Barrier represents a comprehensive security solution, including backup features. Do its features set it apart from the competition?
The Basics
Internet Security Barrier X6 runs on Mac OS X 10.5.x and 10.6.x on PowerPC processors, and OS X 10.6.x on machines with Intel processors. It requires 100 MB of hard disk space, which is relatively small for a security suite of this nature. It’s priced at $79.95 US for 2 licenses, or $109.95 for 5 licenses.
At the core of Internet Security Barrier is VirusBarrier X6, which protects against viruses and malware, and includes a two-way firewall. In addition to this, Internet Security Barrier X6 features: ContentBarrier 10.6, a content filtering and parental control utility; Personal Backup 10.6, a versatile backup utility; Personal Antispam 10.6, an email spam blocker; and FileGuard 10.6, a unique utility which puts desired files in “virtual safes,” protecting them from unauthorized access or alteration even in the event of theft.
The Pros
One of the best things about Internet Security Barrier X6 is that it’s anchored by the excellent VirusBarrier X6 and all the good things that it does. VirusBarrier X6 is an efficient, effective program which protects your computer just as well as any competing antivirus program can, without hogging resources or bothering you with constant popups or false positives. Simply put, you won’t have to worry about viruses or malware with Internet Security Barrier and VirusBarrier in place.
The other aspects of the suite function in a similarly efficient fashion, and they tend to do their jobs well, for the most part. Automating various functions, from virus scans and updates to web filtering and file backups, works well enough to qualify for “set it and forget it” status. FileGuard, meanwhile, offers functionality which isn’t present in any other security package, and is similarly easy to understand and use, if perhaps slightly overwhelming at first in terms of the variety of options it presents.
The Cons
The base VirusBarrier X6 interface is a bit on the ugly side, and can take some getting used to for new users. Personal Antispam is the weak link in the package, as it sometimes fails to identify spam, and in rare cases falsely flags legitimate mail as spam.
The Verdict
For individual users, Internet Security Barrier costs the same as Norton Internet Security. Norton is a bit faster, cleaner, and easier to use, but Internet Security Barrier X6 has some features that Norton doesn’t have, like FileGuard. So, you could say that it’s a bit of a trade off. Basically, if you want the best in security for your Mac, if you have the need for the sort of protection that FileGuard offers, then Internet Security Barrier X6 is the way to go.
Related posts:
- Norton AntiVirus Mac Review: Internet Security AV Software for Macintosh
- iAntiVirus vs. Norton Internet Security: Mac Antivirus Software Comparison
- Best Antivirus for Mac? The Best Free & Paid AV Software for Macs
- MacScan vs VirusBarrier x6: Mac Security Software Comparison
- Intego VirusBarrier X6 Review – Mac Antivirus Software
