Digital Specter has updated Startup Security 1.1, the security tool for Macs, to version 1.1. The update beefs provides a greater level of security within Mac OS 9 or a dual-boot Mac OS 9/X system, according to Myke Kage of Digital Spector.
In version 1.1, an option has been added to ask for the password during startup, as well as an option to prevent disabling extensions with shift key. Both of these features are for Mac OS 9.x.
The Startup Security application enables firmware security on your Mac. Available for Mac OS 9 and X, you can protect your computer from harmful use by changing a few simple settings, Kage said. When Startup Security is combined with a physical security solution, your machine becomes an “impenetrable fortress,” he added. You can set a firmware password so that boot device settings and other machine parameters cannot be changed without authorization; completely prevent boot-up of a machine without the proper password; enable three different modes of security (Off, Default Boot Device Only and Full), and increase security for OS 9.x installations.
To use Startup Security 1.1, you’ll need a Mac running Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X and Apple Firmware Update 4.1.7 or later (some security features available within Mac OS 9 don’t require the latest update). You can download it at the product Web site. The price is US$19.95.