July 02 - 09:50pm EDT   Trend Micro has announced the beta release of Smart Surfing for Mac 1.5, a new version of its identity and data protection software for Mac OS X. The new beta is designed to help test the updated software, while enabling the company to make improvements based on feedback given by users. Trend Micro is offering beta participants a chance to win prizes including an 8GB iPod nano or iPod shuffle, while the first 200 users receive a free one-year license. [full story]

July 02 - 09:05pm EDT   Selznick Scientific has released Password Wallet 4.4.7, an update to its password-management software for Mac OS X and the iPhone. PasswordWallet can organize passwords into different categories, allowing groupings such as website logins, credit card passwords, credentials and others. The application can export to text, Safari bookmarks, encrypted web pages and text-to-iPod. It works using a master password and retrieves, synchronizes and copies passwords, with support for auto-type across multiple web pages. PasswordWallet utilizes BlowFish encryption algorithms with 448-bit keys, while users can keep the master password in the OS X Keychain. [full story]

June 29 - 11:05pm EDT   Hercules has announced the ePlug, a new Ethernet extender that helps deliver internet access to any room in a house that has an electrical socket. When plugging the device in the ePlug uses the existing electrical wiring to provide broadband (cable/DSL) access throughout the home. The Adapter also helps protect the user’s information by keeping the network within the home, and includes its own password and pre-secured network. Additional features provide a pairing button for adding other ePlug adapters, and a web interface for monitoring the Powerline Communications Network, checking transfer speeds and reseting passwords. [full story]

June 28 - 07:40pm EDT   JAMF Software has announced Casper Suite 7, an update to its client-management platform designed to inventory, image, update, and maintain Mac computers. The software provides a framework to enforce software licensing compliance, security standards, energy usage or other organizational rules and requirements. New features includes the ability to track an application`s use on a per-machine basis, along with licensed software templates, improved directory-binding support, enhanced iPhone functionality, and tools enabling drive partitioning and Boot Camp when imaging. [full story]

June 27 - 10:05am EDT   App4Mac has released two new software updates, Sequence 2.1and Twin 1.1. Sequence allows users to capture and save an image or movie of their screen, in a variety of different formats to the clipboard. Version 2.1 of the program delivers improved preferences, enhanced performance and user feedback, support for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, and a variety of bug fixes. Additional features provide a voice recording function, and the ability to simultaneously record from a webcam and the user’s screen. Each video or screenshot can be e-mailed or uploaded to the web for sharing with other users. [full story]

June 23 - 01:45pm EDT   Microsoft on Tuesday officially launched the Security Essentials beta protection software for viruses and spyware that includes Trojans, worms and other malicious software. Previously known by the Morro codename, the software is available to download now and carries no associated costs or subscription fees with it. Microsoft also stresses the software's ease of use, with automatic upgrades and a security icon that, when green, indicates users are protected. [full story]

June 17 - 03:45pm EDT   R10Cipher 2.3 ($23) is a tool for encryping and decrypting files using up to 385 bit Blowfish encryption. Files to be encrypted can be dragged and dropped to the main windows and support for batch encryption is included. Decryption can be performed by double clicking in a file which will result in the software recreating the file with its original filename. This version includes up to 384 Bit Encryption and features an updated interface and a revised manual. [Download - 8MB] [full story]

June 17 - 03:10pm EDT   Along with offering a variety of new features and capabilities, the Version 3.0 firmware for the iPhone and iPod touch also addresses a long list of security vulnerabilities. CoreGraphics bounds and error checking have been improved to prevent maliciously crafted images or PDF files from terminating applications or executing arbitrary code. Bounds checking in FreeType v2.3.8 has also been reworked to prevent integer overflows. [full story]

June 12 - 12:20pm EDT   DMG Master 2.1 ($20) is a utility that allows users to create standard Disk Image Archives from their own files. Users can select any file or group of files and covert them into an archive that can be recognized by any Mac. New to this release is the option to encrypt archives using either AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. The interface has also received small improvements and several new preference options have been added. [Download - 0.78MB] [full story]

June 11 - 09:35am EDT   Microsoft late Wednesday said it's nearing the release of its first self-made antivirus software. Although mentioned in the past under its Morro codename, the new software is now known to compete directly with software from Kaspersky, McAfee, Symantec and other relatively low-cost apps. It will only focus on removing spyware, trojans and viruses as the company already has a built-in firewall for Windows. [full story]