Computer firewalls: security and privacy protection for Mac—review

Abstract

Internet has become the ultimate information resource. It allows both to reach information from the outside, as well as to share inside data. Yet, such power also involves potential weaknesses, in relation to security and privacy protection. Indeed, threats may come from malicious web sites, trying to steal user's data or install unwanted applications. Malware may include adware, Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), and even ransomware. Another menace may even come from otherwise bona fide applications installed by the user. Thus, such applications may send private data to external servers, without the user's consent and knowledge. Therefore, a proper firewall is required to protect the privacy of users. Indeed, they are built inside the operating systems, as basic security tools. Third party companies offer more comprehensive firewalls, including free and nonfree ones. This review analyzes the firewalls available for Mac (macOS) computers. As a practical example, applications in scientific research, in general, as well as bioinformatics, in particular, are described. Last but not least, Internet security and privacy protection is a work in progress, and as such, users should know about this critical fact, and take proper action, installing and updating appropriate firewalls.