MacPaw, the company behind CleanMyMac and Setapp, has released a new app called Moonlock. Moonlock is a cybersecurity app that gives you real-time protection, insight into your Mac’s security status, and clear instructions on how to improve it, all without making it too complicated. The user-friendly graphical interface is exactly what you would expect from MacPaw and is reminiscent of CleanMyMac X.
Moonlock is based on the same engine that has powered CleanMyMac’s security options since 2023. It was developed by MacPaw’s internal research lab, which actively monitors Mac-specific malware, stealer families, and other threats. In addition, the engine offers protection against various versions of the Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS). This malware is designed to steal sensitive data from macOS systems, such as passwords, cookies, autofill data, and crypto wallets.
Moonlock app
The Moonlock engine has been independently validated by AV-TEST and Apple. At a time when cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important, MacPaw has decided to launch the Moonlock engine as its own app with additional functionality.
Moonlock was developed to not only detect and block threats, but also to increase user awareness of cybersecurity through a user-friendly interface. The app supports you in completing tasks and provides personalized insights aimed at helping users develop cybersecurity habits, rather than just responding to alerts.
MacPaw introduces Moonlock at a crucial time for macOS users. Every year the number of Mac users increases, making the Mac more attractive to cybercriminals. Threats such as malware and stealers are evolving at a rapid pace. In 2024, MacPaw malware detections increased by more than 20%. Although macOS is a secure operating system, the number of malicious parties looking for vulnerabilities is also growing very quickly.
Main Moonlock functions
Unfortunately, there is no Dutch version of Moonlock yet, so the graphical interface of the app remains in English. To use Moonlock, your Mac must be running macOS 13.0 or a later version.
The Moonlock app is divided into six main functions, we will briefly describe all six.
Home
The home tab is essentially the security control center. It’s the first thing you see when you open the app and shows your Mac’s level of protection. You’ll also see a list of recommendations for improvements, status of the various features, and a visual representation of your Mac’s security status.
Malware Scanner
With Moonlock’s malware scanner you can use both a passive and active mode. The passive scanner works continuously in the background and remains active even if you close the app. It checks every file you come into contact with and responds immediately if it detects malware or a phishing attempt. All detected threats are immediately stopped and quarantined. You can find this in the Discovery History section on the Home tab.
For more thorough checks, Moonlock offers three different scans under the Malware Scanner tab.
- Quick: This quick and superficial scan focuses on the most vulnerable parts of your system. It is ideal for routine checks or when you are short on time.
- Balanced: A balance between speed and thoroughness. It examines more locations than a Quick Scan (with additional directories) and uses more advanced detection rules. This ensures comprehensive monitoring of potential threat areas. This setting is default.
- Deep: The highly detailed scan thoroughly examines all files and folders on the system. This is best suited for situations where you need the highest security guarantee or there is suspected malware activity.
You have the option to perform these checks manually or schedule them with the Scan Planner feature. This allows you to set a time when you don’t use your Mac so that the scans don’t disrupt your work.
VPN
The Moonlock app also has a built-in VPN to secure your internet traffic. As with MacPaw’s separate ClearVPN app, the developer emphasizes that it does not store or monitor user data.
A common privacy issue is that logs can be requested by government agencies or stolen by hackers to sell to third parties, which defeats the very purpose of using a VPN. Moonlock’s VPN functionality also features a Kill Switch. If the VPN connection is lost for any reason, your internet connection will immediately be interrupted until it is safely restored.
Network Inspector
The Network Inspector gives you control over your Mac’s connections. You can block certain countries that are known to be sources of malicious activity.
If an app or website tries to connect to a blocked location, Moonlock will immediately stop the connection. You can compare this function with a location-based firewall.
System Protection
System Protection allows you to perform user-specific control of macOS settings. Once you grant Moonlock system access, System Protection looks at your Mac’s security configurations (such as FileVault, firewall settings, privacy permissions, sharing options, and encryption) and provides really valuable, step-by-step guidance on how to address any vulnerabilities. Do not think about standard recommendations such as using a strong password. Moonlock gives you really useful tips to improve the security of your Mac.
Consider advice that you could also receive from Pareto Security. For example, does AirPlay really have to be turned on on your Mac? Leaving AirPlay unnecessarily activated can be exploited by attackers to gain access to your system or network.
In addition, Moonlock also offers you advice on the use of user rights. By configuring a Mac account as a standard user rather than an administrator, you can minimize the damage malware can cause.
Another security risk concerns entering text via the keyboard. For example, malware may try to intercept your username and password when you enter them on a website or in macOS Terminal. By using secure keyboard input, you can prevent other apps from recording what you type.
Security Advisor
Finally, the Security Advisor acts as your personal security advisor within the Moonlock app, specially designed for people with little to no security knowledge. This feature provides you with safety tips and best practices that will help prevent you from becoming a victim of cyber attacks.
The tips are presented as simple actions with a “Deal” button that allows you to commit to them directly in the app. Examples include improving password strength, checking links before opening them, and managing risky permissions. Although the tips are basic in nature, this approach succeeds in making security more manageable and understandable for a wide audience.
Try or purchase Moonlock for free
Moonlock is now exclusively accessible to Mac users and offers different pricing plans. You can choose an annual subscription of €54, including a 7-day free trial, or you can opt for a monthly plan for €13.50 or a lifetime license for €150. In addition, there are options available to use Moonlock on multiple Macs.
Also available in Setapp
Moonlock is also available through MacPaw’s Setapp subscription. With Setapp you get access to Moonlock, CleanMyMac X and more than 230 Mac apps for just €10.30 per month. If you want to purchase Moonlock or CleanMyMac, Setapp is the best choice.
