June 26 - 12:30pm EDT   iWeb Valet 2.2 ($25) is a tool for enhancing and uploading iWeb pages. After creating a page in iWeb, instead of publishing to MobileMe, iWeb Valet allows users to publish the site to a local folder and then upload it to an FTP sever. The new version now includes a first run wizard which assists new users with some of the basic setup tasks. The DropDown Menu widget has also been made customizable to better fit the look of the menu with each website theme. [Download - 8.3MB] [full story]

February 19 - 3:40pm EST   KaraTunes 3.1 ($13) is an add-on for iTunes allowing users to place all of their lyrics data into a single database which can then be saved, modified and searched. Users can search the LyricTracker database and upload lyrics to their iPod. The latest version allows users to export music and synced lyrics as QuickTime movies to watch on the Mac, PC and iPhone/iPod touch. In additional, users can now set delay time for synced lyrics playback and use customized keywords for Google search. [Download - 10.5MB] [full story]

January 11 - 6:50am EST   First-time CES exhibitor Victorinox Swiss Army has debuted its latest gadget, the Presentation Pro, featuring up to 32GB of storage that is protected by 256-bit hardware encryption and an integrated fingerprint scanner for authentication. The gadget also offers Bluetooth connectivity and two buttons for navigating slide-shows, along with a laser pointer for highlighting specific areas. The company also includes several of its standard tools including a knife, nail file, screwdriver, scissors and a key ring. [full story]

October 30 - 4:00pm EDT   Tao Effect has launched Espionage, offering folder-level encryption for the Mac. Apple's built-in encryption, FileVault, requires the user's entire home folder be encrypted, while Espionage allows the user to pick only specific folders. It also offers similar levels of security, using AES-128- or 256-bit protection. Espionage's ability to encrypt specific folders allows it to isolate important files like email, chat conversations or banking folders, without taking time to encrypt photo collections, movies and other items that don't require high security. Unencrypted data access is three times faster than encrypted, providing a good speed boost to data that is left untouched ... [full story]

October 11 - 4:50pm EDT   Everyone knows that encryption is handy for protecting files from unauthorized users by denying access to their contents. Unfortunately, most people don’t use encryption, in spite of the obvious advantages, because it’s often too much of a hassle. To make encryption more transparent to the user, a new option is PGP Desktop Professional 9.9. [full story]

July 25 - 6:15am EDT   Applied Answers has released FileGenius, a file-transfer solution for users that need to move large files from one physical location to another. Positioned as an upgraded solution to FTP use, FileGenius works through a web browser, for simple drag-and-drop transfers.It claims to provide an easy interface and secure file access allowing users to begin using the software immediately. Applied Answers recognizes that there are situations that require confidential files to be transferred through a secure connection, FileGenius can be configured to use SSA encryption, and SHA hashed file directories and hidden site addresses (which cannot be found by search engines). [full story]

July 17 - 6:15pm EDT   RiftVault 1.0 ($40) 256-bit AES encryption keeps credit card numbers secure, documents safe, and secrets confidential. Designed exclusively for Mac OS X Leopard. The new release includes major improvements to the UI, has a full feature set and include ssignificant stability and security improvements [Download - form] VectorDesigner 1.4 ($70) application for vector drawings, diagrams and illustrations, raster image handling, filtering and color correction. This release introduces user definable templates: a template can contain all the elements that are available in a standard VectorDesigner document, such as paper size, units, rulers positions, layers etc. [Download - 4.9MB] ... [full story]

June 20 - 8:30am EDT   GoGoalsoft has announced the latest update to its easy to use Mac OS X encryption application, goSecure 1.2. Designed to keep sensitive documents away from prying eyes, version 1.2 includes 256-Bit AES encryption (up from the 128-bit AES of previous versions), faster encrytion/decryption times, and an option to skip file compression. Offering features such as an easy 'drag and drop' workflow, secure deletion for source files and a 'default path' backup feature, goSecure 1.2 is for users wishing to keep their files secure. [full story]

June 9 - 11:05am EDT   PGP Corporation has announced a forthcoming update to Whole Disk Encryption, its enterprise-level security program. As implied by its name, the application encrypts everything on a hard drive or flash stick, including swap and temporary files, to the FIPS 140-2 level required by the US government. Version 9.9 will be the first edition of this software for the Mac, and should be released sometime in July. [full story]

May 28 - 11:40pm EDT   Check Point Technologies on Wednesday unveiled Check Point Full Disk Encryption for Mac OS X, offering users pre-boot authenticated disk encryption, what the company claims is an industry first. Since the security software encrypts the entire disk before the operating system boots, Check Point says the multi-certified cryptology engine adheres to many state and federal privacy laws, and can be deployed in any scale of operation. Check Point Full Disk Encryption starts at $120. [full story]

April 21 - 7:00pm EDT   Fujitsu on Monday announced the "first ever" hard disk drive line-up using the hardware-based AES-256 bit encryption standard. The company's mobile HDDs are joined by the MHZ2 CJ-series laptop drives, consisting of full disk encryption, 2.5-inch, 7,200RPM SATA drives with capacities up to 320GB. Fujitsu claims not only improved data security, but also improved system performance for its newest offerings. The hard drives themselves encrypt and decrypt the password, leaving system performance minimally affected; the passwords are not accessible in system memory when powered off, the company claims. [full story]

April 14 - 10:35pm EDT   Kingston Technology today unveiled the DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drive, a Federal Information Processing Standard-validated USB flash drive in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes. The BlackBox carries FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, which requires the device to pass a Power On Self Test which verifies the encryption architecture is functioning. The DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drives are currently shipping, starting at $165 and ranging to $425. [full story]

April 10 - 10:50pm EDT   Forum roundup: MacNN forum members are discovering what encryption methods others use to protect their WiFi networks. Users are discussing why they feel one is superior to the other, while a poll is currently tracking the amount of users who encrypt with WEP, WPA-1/2, or other methods, or if they use none at all. Some members are also touting the benefits of using an access control list to govern overall network access. [full story]

March 8 - 4:40pm EST   Northern Softworks recently unveiled LockDown 1.0, its new software that allows users to encrypt their files and data. LockDown makes use of OpenSSL to provide six encryption ciphers, which the developer claims are "industrial strength". Users simply drag-and-drop their data onto the application, and LockDown can even function with the clipboard. Northern Softworks is currently selling Lockdown 1.0 for $10 from its website. [full story]

March 4 - 5:15pm EST   GT Security today launched SecuriKey 2.1, adding support for Apple's latest release of Mac OS X -- 10.5 Leopard. SecuriKey combines USB token and password technologies with data encryption on the hard drive to provide secure, user-friendly computer access control and data protection. The latest revision of SecuriKey features the only integrated AES encryption and multi-factor authentication solution designed for the Mac, according to GT Security, which provides security for mobile data on Apple laptops as well as desktops and servers. SecuriKey 2.1 is available in Professional and Multi-User editions, working with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard as well as Windows XP and Windows ... [full story]