Gmail just made it easier for the coffee shop set and security-conscious types to always connect through https://. Gmail Mobile app users should note this glitch before doing so. [via]

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Free, open-source boot disk utility Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) automatically and completely deletes the content of every hard disk it can find on your computer when you run it. Sure you can fire up DBAN for emergency system wipes next time the feds come knocking on your door, but it's also a useful tool for protecting yourself from identity theft when you're prepping your computer for recycling or sale. The bootable DBAN can run from CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and floppy disks. If you're just looking to securely delete single files and folders (as opposed to entire drives), check out previously mentioned Wipe File.

Apple might like to boast about the Mac's low profile when it comes to hacking, but low doesn't equate to non-existent. Australian security vendor PC Tools has rolled out a beta version of iAntiVirus, an anti-malware tool for Mac users. The product features the expected range of features (virus and spyware detection, and regular downloadable updates). We haven't tested it out ourselves (no Mac to hand), but if Macs are going to continue to grow in popularity, security software is going to become more essential, so it's good have free options available. Mac OS X: iAntivirus is Mac OS X only; the beta version is free to download, though there's a $49.95 charge for commercial or supported use. If you've tried it out, share your experiences in the comments. [iAntiVirus]

Create secure passwords from a master phrase with web-based app Password Chart. Enter a phrase and Password Chart generates a table of values for the alphabet based off that phrase. For example, starting with phrase "Lifehacker helps me get things done.", I converted my existing password "mysecretpassword" into the much less crackable "bs3rK@y4wB@yP8s68iueKK!3vB4MF". For the analogue among us, you can even print off the password chart to store or keep with you. For a more digital based password management system, check out our guide to securely tracking your passwords.

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If you're in the market for a new car, or just wondering how secure your current set of wheels is, the RACV's annual review of how secure different models are is essential reading. While some manufacturers produced consistently good results, there are plenty who aren't doing enough, especially with cheap but effective technologies such as self-voiding vehicle labels. The document itself is a PDF; it'd be good to see a proper interactive version next year.
[RACV Car Security Ratings]

Windows/Mac/Linux (Firefox or IE7): PassPack, an online manager for both your computer and web site passwords we've previously mentioned, has created an offline version using Google's Gears add-on. That alone makes PassPack a more useful tool, but you can also download PassPack onto multiple computers, online or off, and sync your password management between them all (assuming the offline computers can make a one-time connection). As Adam noted, the site goes a long way to explain its encryption and privacy measures; if that sounds kosher to you, its offline version makes PassPack much more helpful. Fans of Adobe Air apps should check out PassPack's "Desktop" AIR app. PassPack's offline version requires Google Gears, which runs on Firefox and Internet Explorer; hit the link below for installation instructions.

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Windows/Mac/Linux: TrueCrypt 6.0, the latest and improved version of the powerful software encryption tool, has been released. New to this version are the additions of hidden volume tools—the ability to create virtual, encrypted drives only viewable by yourself—to the OS X and Linux versions, and to hide an entire operating system behind encryption in Windows. Systems with multi-core CPUs will see improved encrypt/decrypt performance boosted by 100% for each CPU (important when hibernating/suspending with encrypted drives), and "backup headers" which provide last-chance recovery for encrypted drives and files that get damaged. Want to put TrueCrypt to work on your rig? Check out Gina's guide to encrypting your data. TrueCrypt 6.0 is a free download for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

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Even if you're tech-savvy enough to minimise their exposure to dodgy sites, defining reasonable limits on when your children use the PC can be difficult. Jeff Opdyke at the Wall Street Journal discusses an approach that's worked well with his 11-year-old son: a contract which controls computer usage in return for strict behavioural conditions. As Opdyke explains:

We're finding that a handful of written sentences can change his behaviour more powerfully than any of the dozens of threats we can conjure up at the spur of the moment.

Has setting a contract worked with your kids, or do you prefer another approach? Let us know in the comments. If you're more concerned with ensuring your young 'uns don't trash your existing machine, check out our recent guide to kid-proofing your PC with SteadyState.
Bad Behavior? What Does The Contract Say? [WSJ]

When you've got your Windows XP or Vista setup running perfectly, you don't want to lose all your painstaking customisations to a reckless tot, an experiment-minded friend or spouse, or a rogue system-lousing program. Windows SteadyState, as we mentioned earlier this week, helps you to create a kind of virtual rubber room those types can play around in and not really harm anything. SteadyState can also restrict web site access for innocent eyes, set timer limits on user access, and get better control of those other folks who use your computer—in other words, SteadyState makes you the Grand Master Sysadmin of your single-unit empire. Let's take a look at setting up SteadyState and get familiar with a few of its key features.

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Windows only: Freeware application Click&Clean works in conjunction with previously mentioned favourite CCleaner to cover your browsing tracks with the click of a button. To use it, first make sure that you've already installed CCleaner and then download and install Click&Clean. Once installed, Click&Clean will add an entry to your quick launch bar. You can stop with that if you like, but Click&Clean also provides a Cleaner button for you Firefox and Internet Explorer toolbars—you just have to add them through the customise dialogs. Once there, clicking the toilet paper icon will automatically run CCleaner's browser cleanup tools to give your browsing session a deep clean. Click&Clean is freeware, Windows only.

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