Did you know that most antivirus companies that publish security software for Mac began with a Windows product first? But not Intego. Intego could probably win a Mac loyalty award, and we’re not kidding about that. For 18 years, Intego has been working to protect Mac users from the dangers of the Internet, and they’ve been very successful with what they’re doing. According to Intego, their high-quality products serve as a critical factor in their success. A perfect example of that would be the Mac Internet Security X9.
Intego Mac Internet Security X9, the latest release, is more than just an antivirus. It also includes a full-featured firewall that both blocks attacks from outside and also manages network permissions for programs loaded on the Mac. Intego is effective against Mac malware, but not against Windows malware, and it lacks the protection against malicious and fraudulent URLs found in most competing products.
Sold as a bundle with network-defense tool NetBarrier X9, Intego VirusBarrier X9 really does one thing: scan your drives continuously as new files are added, unless you’ve set it to perform scans only on a schedule or when you trigger them manually.
All in all, Intego is a decent antivirus for MacOS-based computers. It will protect you well from Mac malware. But if you are transferring files to a Windows PC, you should check them with another antivirus. Intego is the right solution for you if basic protection is all you need to feel safe. Advanced users who expect to get some extras won’t be disappointed, too.
Intego made the choice that Internet Security X9 doesn’t delete malware by default. Nor can you set the program to automatically do so. Instead, malware is quarantined, with the option to attempt repairing files that contain data you still need.
Why Choose Intego Mac Internet Security X9?
As Intego antivirus focuses mainly on Macs, it copes well with malware samples targeted at this OS. AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives tested and certified this product as a security system for Apple devices.
Yes, malware for Macs is not as diverse and well-spread as the one for Windows. But both labs have proper capacities to test Intego’s reliability. The antivirus detected 100% of all the malware for Mac during the test. Also, it got the top result fighting against PUAs and unwanted spam programs.
Intego antivirus claims that it can detect Windows malware. This way Macs should not become storage for viruses and not spread them around. Yet, AV-Comparatives’ tests have shown rather poor results. Intego managed to detect only 28 percent of Windows malware. AV-Test lab returned with even worse results: Intego detected an awful zero percent of Windows malware.
Intego requires that you restart your Mac after installation. None of the other Mac antivirus utilities I’ve evaluated require a restart. After reboot, you enter your serial number, supply an email address, and choose your coverage level. At the Minimum level, the VirusBarrier component only protects you from Mac malware. The recommended Standard level adds detection of malware aimed at Windows, so your Mac doesn’t accidentally pass those along. At the Maximum level, it scans inside ZIP files and other archives.
A handy instructional overlay points out the various components of the product’s main window. One click dismisses the overlay, but you can get it back at any time by clicking the Information icon.
An image of a monitor displays Intego’s castle logo along with the date and time of the most recent scan. At left, Intego lists the drives and partitions available on the Mac. From here you can launch a quick or full scan. You can also control real-time protection and schedule scans right from the main window. Let’s talk more about scheduling later.
With a list price of $49.99 per year for one license, and $99.99 for three, Intego costs more than most Mac antivirus software. The most common price for one license is $39.99, a price shared by Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, ESET, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, and Webroot. But you get more with Intego; specifically, you get a full personal firewall.
Likewise, Norton’s price of $89.99 per year for five licenses reflects the fact that it offers a full suite of protection, not just an antivirus. You can use those five licenses on any combination of macOS, Windows, and Android devices. With a $59.99 per year McAfee subscription, you’re free to protect every macOS, Windows, Android, or iOS device in your household. Or you can choose not to spend any money at all; Avira Free Antivirus for Mac and Sophos Home are completely free.
Intego supports operating systems as far back as Mountain Lion (10.8) and, of course, anything newer. That’s good news for those who don’t always upgrade to the latest version. Webroot and ESET Cyber Security extend support to even older versions. Others have more stringent requirements. You need Yosemite (10.10) or better to use McAfee or Trend Micro, and El Capitan (10.11) to run Avira. Symantec supports whatever OS is current, plus the two previous versions.
Intego’s main window has a prominent panel that reports on the status of Safe Browsing in Chrome and Safari.Tests found that all this feature does is check whether you’ve enabled each browser’s built-in protection against malicious and fraudulent sites. Intego doesn’t offer its own protection in this area.
photo from Intego
The NetBarrier firewall is a completely separate utility from the main VirusBarrier application. At first launch, it asks you to identify the current network as Home, Work, or Public Hotspot. Naturally, you can change this as necessary. Like the VirusBarrier antivirus component, NetBarrier displays an instructional overlay the first time you run it, pointing out the main window’s features.
In Public Hotspot mode, the firewall blocks any unsolicited connection attempts from the Internet or from other devices on the network. An animated diagram that occupies half the window illustrates this setting, with incoming arrows visibly hitting a barrier. If you switch to the Home or Work mode, it allows incoming connections from within the network so, for example, another device on the same trusted network can find your Mac. The firewall component in McAfee AntiVirus Plus (for Mac) works in very much the same way.
In Home mode, your Mac can freely function as a server, and file-sharing features are enabled. If you switch to Work mode, NetBarrier pops up a query when a program attempts to use these features, and allows them only with your approval. At the tough Public Hotspot level, it simply blocks file-sharing and server-related features.
Pros
Excellent Malware Protection
Bootable Backup Software
Online Storage
Password Manager
Webcam Protection
Device Synchronization
Data Restoration
Data Organizer
Cons
Expensive
Mac Exclusive
Lacks other Features
Key Features
Real-time Antivirus with Automatic Scans
Intego VirusBarrier provides real-time antivirus protection for Mac and scans files whenever they’re accessed to keep your Mac free of Malware. It automatically checks for the latest updates to make sure you’re protected against the newest threats.
Antivirus Protection Against Mac and PC Malware
Intego VirusBarrier not only protects you from existing Mac threats, it detects PC-based malware as well, so you don’t spread infected files to friends, family, or colleagues.
User Friendly Interface
The UI has been designed to be effective, straightforward, and unobtrusive, so you can have an easy time using the program.
Antivirus Protection
Intego VirusBarrier scans and detects malicious files received via email on your iOS devices whenever they’re plugged into your computer, preventing your device from passing malware to other computers.
VirusBarrier X9
Keeps your computer free of malware, such as Mac, Windows, Unix, Microsoft Word and Excel macro viruses, as well as Trojan horses, worms, spyware, adware, hacking tools, dialers, keyloggers, and scareware.
NetBarrier X9
Active application list easily identifies applications using bandwidth and incoming vs. outgoing bandwidth. Automatic application activity notification whenever an application is trying to do something on the network; you can take simple actions to allow or deny the application to run or to interact with specific domains or local devices.
Device Security
Norton consistently ranks among the top-performing cybersecurity products on the market, and there’s no question that it’s a powerful antivirus application. Norton 360 Deluxe protects your computer from harmful viruses that might enter your computer system.
Virus Scanner
Norton 360 Deluxe reverts to a manual scanner that detects and cleans up malware infections only when you run a scan. You can upgrade to the premium version any time.
Other Features
Anti-Spyware, Antivirus, Malware & Ransomware Protection
Online Threat Protection
Malware Detection
Scheduled Scans
Password Manager
Speed Scan
Mac Antivirus History Logs
Email Notifications
Light Footprint Scans
Netball Firewall
Operating System Compatibility
| Operating Systems | Mac OS X 10.8 or Higher | ||
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz) | ||
| RAM | 2GB, 2048 MB (64-bit OS), 1024 MB (32-bit OS, except 256 MB for Windows XP) | ||
| Hard Disk Space | 1.5GB | ||
| Support Browser | Google Chrome 34 or Later; Microsoft Edge 40 or Later; Mozilla Firefox 51 or Later | ||
| Languages Available | English, French German, Japanese, Spanish |
How To Use
Think Intego Mac Internet Security X9 will be a good fit for your home or business?
Learn more about its features and current price here.
Meanwhile, to download your Intego software, click the link in the email you received at the time of purchase or by downloading the software from the Intego website:
- Once your download is complete, double-click the .DMG file. By default, this file is located in your Downloads folder. Please check your web browser preferences to confirm the location of downloaded files
- Click simply double-click on the Installer
- This will guide you through the installation of the applications. You will be presented with a License Agreement and be asked for your computer’s Administrator password. Once your Intego X9 software has been successfully installed, you will see the following screen
- When you are finished installing, you will find the new software in the Applications > Intego folder
Where To Find Your Intego Software
Once you have installed your Intego software, there are several ways to find and launch your applications. You can click on the “Intego Tower” icon at the top right corner of your menu bar, select the application you would like to open, and choose ‘Open (Application Name).
Your software can also be found in the Applications > Intego Folder. Open a new Finder window and navigate to the Applications folder.
- Next, find your Intego folder and open it to see all of your software.
- You will now see a list of all of your Intego applications.
Serializing Intego Software
When you launch an application for the first time, the program will display its serialization window. Enter your name or company name and your serial number. These fields are both required. If you purchased a downloadable version of the software, your serial number was sent to you in an email confirmation. When you have entered this information, click OK. The program will now open.
Using Software in Evaluation Mode
Intego software offers an evaluation mode for all to discover how the programs work before you make your purchase. To use the evaluation mode, click ‘Free Trial’ when the registration screen displays.
When software runs in evaluation mode, it is functional for 30 days. Intego provides a demonstration version of its software so users can try out the application to see if the software is compatible with their Macs and their needs. The demonstration version is provided as an example of the program’s features and functions with the exception that it cannot repair infected files, or clean/delete data from your Mac. At the end of this period, you can either purchase a serial number for the application or uninstall it from your computer.
When you open the disk image file you will have the option to Uninstall. Double-click on Uninstall.
- When you select Uninstall Software, you will see a window with all of your X9 software listed. Place a check next to the application(s) you wish to remove and click the Uninstall button.
- You will be prompted to enter your computer’s Administrator password to proceed. Once you have entered the password, your Intego software will be completely removed from your Mac.
Using NetUpdate
NetUpdate is an application used by Intego programs to check for updates to the software. It is installed when you install Intego software. NetUpdate can carry out automatic checks at the frequency you choose, or you can manually check whenever you wish.
Setting up NetUpdate
You can launch NetUpdate by double-clicking the NetUpdate icon in your Applications > Intego folder:
- The first time you use NetUpdate, you will need to enter your e-mail address in NetUpdate’s preferences.
- Under the General tab, enter your email address in the Email field.
Checking for Updates
You can check for updates through VirusBarrier by clicking ‘Installed Definitions’ in the upper right corner of the VirusBarrier window. You can also open NetUpdate from the Intego menu, which is in your menu bar
No matter how you launch NetUpdate, the program connects to Intego’s server to determine whether you have the latest version of your Intego software installed. If a new version is available, you will be able to download and install it.
NetUpdate Preferences
NetUpdate offers several configuration options. To set these options, open NetUpdate in one of the ways explained above, then click the Preferences icon in the NetUpdate toolbar.
If you change email addresses, you can enter a new address on this pane. If the lock is closed, you will need an administrator’s password to unlock it and enter your new address.
Intego Menu Preferences
You can have NetUpdate check for new software in two locations. The default choice, ‘Check for Updates on Intego’s server‘, should be used in most cases.
Keep downloaded updates in a local folder: This allows you to store updates locally, and is useful if you are working on a network and have multiple user licenses for Intego products. You can have your other Macs check for updates in that local folder anywhere on an AppleShare network. If you do this, you will want to choose ‘Check for updates in a local or network folder’ from the Sources menu.
About Intego
Intego is a Mac security software company. The company was founded in 1997. The company creates Internet security software exclusively for Mac OS X and macOS, including: antivirus, firewall, anti-spam, backup software and data protection software.Intego’s full range of products make the Internet a safer place for Mac and Apple users.
Intego’s security programs are designed so security experts and novices alike can protect their Macs fully and optimally. All of Intego’s efforts have not fallen on deaf ears – the company’s programs have received dozens of awards from Mac magazines around the world, all of which notice and appreciate the quality and ease-of-use of Intego software.
Intego currently has offices in the U.S. in Seattle, Washington and Austin, Texas, and also offices in Paris, France and Nagano, Japan. All of Intego’s products are universal binaries, and are supported in several languages: English, French, Japanese, German, Spanish and Italian.
Final Thoughts
Although Macs are said to be virus-proof, this is not true. Hackers are targeting more macOS devices every day, with Mac-specific malware becoming extremely advanced. Having a Mac without any form of antivirus software is extremely risky. You should at least consider installing an antivirus like Intego to avoid hackers from destroying your system and stealing all of your personal data.
With Intego Mac Internet Security X9, Mac users get both antivirus and firewall protection, which to some extent justifies its higher-than-most price point. Two labs certify its protection against Mac malware, which is good, but its promised ability to foil malware aimed at Windows targets just isn’t effective. And, while firewall protection is nice, some kind of filter to keep fraudulent and malicious URLs at bay would be more immediately useful.
Intego antivirus is excellent for detecting and removing viruses and malware in case of Mac devices. At the same time, Windows virus detection is not that good. But still, if you are looking for an efficient MacOS antivirus solution, Intego is here to satisfy your requirements. Choosing a Premium Bundle package, you can get all your virus, spyware, and phishing protection.
If you’re an all-Mac household and want to throw your business to a company that’s always focused on protecting Macs, you could consider Intego. Even though it may seem a bit more expensive in comparison to other brands, it’s certainly worth your attention and money with its wide range of functions.
If you’re still feeling wary, you can even use a 30-day free trial to understand whether you need the software before purchasing a subscription. The final decision will still be up to you, but for what it’s worth, here’s our two cents on the matter – overall, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is an excellent antivirus for Mac users who consider their security the most important thing in this crazy digital world.
How did you find our product review? Did it make you want to check out Intego Mac Internet Security X9? Or would you like to learn more about other forms of antivirus or internet security software for mac in the market? If you would still like to keep your options open, we have other kinds and other brands of antivirus products on our site, and you are more than welcome to check out those.
