As a practical example, applications in scientific research, in general, as well as bioinformatics, in particular, are described. This review analyzes the firewalls available for Mac (macOS) computers. Third party companies offer more comprehensive firewalls, including free and nonfree ones. Indeed, they are built inside the operating systems, as basic security tools. Therefore, a proper firewall is required to protect the privacy of users. Thus, such applications may send private data to external servers, without the user's consent and knowledge. Another menace may even come from otherwise bona fide applications installed by the user.
Malware may include adware, Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), and even ransomware. Indeed, threats may come from malicious web sites, trying to steal user's data or install unwanted applications. Yet, such power also involves potential weaknesses, in relation to security and privacy protection. It allows both to reach information from the outside, as well as to share inside data. Internet has become the ultimate information resource.
