14 DAY TRIAL // Security firm Intego has recently updated its antivirus software application for Mac OS X, VirusBarrier X5, to version 10.5.4. The update addresses some minor issues and improves overall stability of the program, according to the changelog.
Intego says that VirusBarrier X5, the company's flagship product, “identifies and eradicates viruses, and prevents your Macintosh from being infected by viruses”. While most Mac users are reluctant to the idea that Mac viruses even exist, Intego touts its program as “the easiest to use antivirus program for Macintosh”. Not only that, but it's fast too, according to the company. But the most important feature an antivirus program boasts is reliability. Intego says VirusBarrier X5 has a lot of that, “Each time a file is created, opened or saved, VirusBarrier X5 checks the file to make sure it is safe,” the software's description goes.
VirusBarrier X5 constantly asks the user about “suspicious” activity when installing a program, and while this is mentioned as a great feature, many Mac users will probably pass on the extra clicks when performing the simplest of program installations.
The company's program got our attention earlier this year when the security firm acknowledged a Mac OS X threat. The vulnerability took advantage of the fact that ARDAgent, a part of the Remote Management component of Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5, has a setuid bit set.
Later on, in light of the App Store's release along with the availability of a jailbreaking tool for the new iPhone software version, an antivirus solution such as Intego's was declared a must-have. "Now that Apple has made it possible for users to add applications to the iPhone and iPod touch, there is a risk of installing applications that can harm these devices, or take control of them," Intego warned in July, advising Mac users to at least consider trying out the demo version of the software. Files or volumes may be scanned to detect viruses, but the repair function is deactivated in the trial version. To continue using the program, users have to buy a $69.95 license from Intego.
The latest version of VirusBarrier X 5 for Mac OS X is available here (demo and buy option).