Moonlock: MacPaw's New App That Secures the Sweet Mac Life

For years, many Mac users have believed in the comforting myth: “Macs don’t need antivirus.” It’s a nice idea, but unfortunately, it’s a dangerous one. Cyber threats targeting macOS are rising, from sneaky adware to sophisticated information stealers. Apple’s built-in tools are good, but they aren’t enough for today’s complex online world.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Moonlock, a powerful new app just released by MacPaw. You probably already know MacPaw as the trusted developer behind must-have tools like CleanMyMac and the subscription service Setapp. They’re known for building apps that feel like they came straight from Apple’s design studio—clean, simple, and effective.

What’s Moonlock?

Moonlock is a powerful new protection and antivirus app for macOS, and it’s designed for anyone who wants to keep their Mac and personal data safe online.

“Cybersecurity shouldn’t feel like a maze of fear and complexity. With Moonlock, we want to turn the anxiety into confidence — giving people powerful protection that feels simple, human, and reassuring.”

– Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO and Founder of MacPaw

How It Works?

Moonlock goes far beyond simple malware scanning, starting with an intuitive dashboard that shows you exactly where you stand.

Personalized Protection Dashboard

When you open Moonlock, you get an instant overview of your Mac’s protection. No confusing jargon or endless menus—just visual, simple-to-understand metrics. Best of all, it provides personalized recommendations on how to improve your defenses. It’s like having a security expert tell you exactly which button to click to fix a gap.

Deep Malware Detection

Moonlock’s threat detection is meticulous. It sets up deep scans against:

• Active malware: Threats currently running or causing trouble on your Mac.
• Dormant malware: Hidden threats tucked away in archives or forgotten folders, ready to activate later.

You can set up these checks in a way that fits your schedule, ensuring the process is non-intrusive and doesn’t slow down your work.

System Security Checkup

Even a clean Mac can be vulnerable if its macOS system settings aren’t configured correctly. Moonlock solves this with its System Protection feature. It checks critical native settings for gaps—like risky file-sharing permissions or outdated configurations—and lets you turn off the hazardous ones while activating those that keep you locked down tight. You don’t need to be a system expert; Moonlock guides you every step of the way.

What Makes It Sweet?

What makes Moonlock sweet from a standard antivirus app is its unique network tools.

Encrypted Browsing with Built-in VPN

The app includes a fully functional, built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network). This creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, securing your browsing and minimizing your exposure to cyber attacks, especially on public Wi-Fi. The convenience factor is huge—it’s integrated seamlessly into your security hub, saving you from downloading and running a separate app.

Geographical Connection Blocking

This is a game-changer. Moonlock’s Network Inspector allows you to block your Mac from connecting to specific regions abroad. Why is this important? Many malicious apps or websites attempt to secretly send your data to servers in countries you’ve never even heard of. If you restrict those regions, any website or application trying to reach them will be instantly cut off from the internet, providing a high-level, unique layer of defense against data exfiltration.

Educational & Habit Building

Moonlock knows that the human user is often the weakest link in any security chain. That’s why it acts as a partner, not just a guard dog, helping you learn cybersecurity fundamentals and build safer online habits. It empowers you by explaining threats and protection measures, making you more secure long after you close the app.

What Does Moonlock Cost?

Moonlock is currently available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, with MacPaw promising to add more languages in 2026.

You can try Moonlock with a 7-day free trial. If you love it, an annual subscription is available for $54.

Importantly, if you are already a subscriber to MacPaw’s Setapp service, Moonlock is included at no extra cost—a huge benefit for existing users!

Bottom Words

Moonlock challenges the outdated notion that Mac users are safe by default. Instead, it offers a proactive, comprehensive, and easy-to-use solution designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem.

With its unique security checks, powerful malware scanning, and advanced network controls like Geo-Blocking, Moonlock provides the multi-layered protection every modern Mac needs. It’s a tool that protects you, teaches you, and gives you back control. Visit MacPaw and get Moonlock a free trial.