Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 15
ZDNET Recommends Free Firewally App to Block Mac Internet Access by App
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 15

ZDNET Recommends Free Firewally App to Block Mac Internet Access by App

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 15

Summary

  • Firewally, a free Mac App Store utility, lets users see real-time network activity by app and cut off internet access with a single toggle.
  • ZDNET highlights its default firewall controls as the key security feature, recommending users switch new apps from “Pass” to “Ask” so each one must request network access.
  • The menu-bar tool also shows hourly, real-time and daily traffic views, while optional AI summaries explain why an app may need to go online.
  • ZDNET says the app is simple enough for non-experts and useful for privacy-focused setups such as keeping Ollama offline except when downloading or updating LLMs.

Insights

Why must Mac users install third-party apps to control what data their own software sends to the internet?
Does blocking app internet access for privacy risk breaking essential software functions and creating new frustrations?
As AI agents become 'digital insiders,' can free tools effectively secure our devices against new internal threats?