Reviewed by: Brent Hecht
Review Date: 9.9.99
Publisher:Intego, Inc.
MSRP: $74.95 (After September 30: $149.95)
How many times have you read articles in the newspaper about a company’s internal
network being hacked by malicious individuals? Have you ever wondered if your computer
can get hacked into as well? While connected to the Internet, your Mac is exposed
a to individuals looking to cause problems. Any skilled computer users armed with
some vital information can, under 
the right conditions, could
gain access or disrupt your Mac networking services. While Windows users have long
had software available to them to prevent these problems, Mac users have been left
somewhat vulnerable. Enter Intego’s NetBarrier for Mac. NetBarrier promises the ability
to prevent all unauthorized data transfers to and from your computer. However, does
it live up to this promise?
NetBarrier consists of three general protection options: "Firewall," "Antivandal"
and "Filter." All three of these options are integrated into a control
panel with a very refined user interface. The software also sports a settings option
that allows users to configure basic maintenance, security, and connection controls.
For users who wish to prevent access to the protection options, Netbarrier also offers
password protection.
The "Firewall" is probably the most useful of the features. It sports the
ability to control both upstream and downstream data transfers. Using this feature,
users can configure Netbarrier to ban all transfers, ban upstream transfers, ban
downstream transfers, allow all transfers, and more. However, the most powerful of
all the "Firewall" settings is the "Customized" setting, which
allows users to manually define what type of activities and services are permitted.
The "Firewall" feature also packs a few additional capabilities such as
logging and activity displays. The only complaint that I have about the feature is
that it is somewhat difficult to understand. In order to take full advantage of the
"Firewall" feature, users will need to be somewhat familiar with network
and Internet protocols.
The "Antivandal" feature allows users to block common types of malicious
attacks. Some of the attacks that are blocked by this feature include ping attacks,
port scans, intrusion attempts, SYN flooding, and more. If the "Antivandal"
feature detects an attack, it brings up a message box that allows users to cut off
all Internet activity. While Netbarrier did block all of the attacks that I tried.
I am by no means nearly as skilled as even the most novice "hacker." Be
sure to use this feature with a 
grain of salt. Make sure that
you take basic precautions, such as making frequent backups, in addition to installing
Netbarrier. Another complaint I have is that, like the "Firewall" feature,
the "Antivandal" feature requires a good deal of knowledge of Internet
protocols.
The "Filter" feature provides packet-filtering functionality, which allows
users to set certain information that will be blocked from being sent over the Internet.
This feature is extremely useful to users who wish to prevent personal information
such as credit card and social security numbers from ever leaving their computer.
This feature worked like a charm. No matter how many times I tried to send blocked
information, Netbarrier would not budge. In addition to this feature is extremely
easy-to-use and requires no knowledge of Internet and networking protocols.
Netbarrier does what it advertises; it protects your computer from unauthorized Internet
entry and unauthorized Internet usage. However like most security, it’s only as effect
as its configuration. While the software does have several quirks, mainly its rather
large learning curve, it is the best product out there for the Mac user who needs
quick and strong Internet security. Regular Mac users may need to do a little studying
to effectively use Netbarrier. More experienced users however should find the application
a simple solution to a number of complex problems.
Score
8.5 out of 10
Requirements
Mac OS 7.5 or later, PowerPC, Open Transport, 16MB of memory, 5 MB of free disk
space, Internet Config, Screen resolution 800 x 600 or higher
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