# Objective-See

> non-profit software organization

**Wikidata**: [Q125320187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125320187)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/objective-see

## Summary
Objective-See is a non-profit software organization based in the United States that develops free and open-source security tools for macOS. Founded in 2015 by programmer Patrick Wardle, it focuses on creating utilities to enhance macOS security, including firewall software, anti-keyloggers, and system monitoring tools.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2015 by Patrick Wardle, a programmer specializing in macOS security.
- Operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Kula, Hawaii.
- Revenue in 2023 was $593,182 USD, with donations totaling $516,907 USD.
- Develops over a dozen macOS security tools, including LuLu (firewall), KnockKnock (security monitor), and RansomWhere? (ransomware detection).
- Maintains an active presence on GitHub (`objective-see`) and Twitter (`@objective_see`).
- Legal name: Objective-See Foundation; IRS EIN: 86-3546876.

## FAQs
### Q: What does Objective-See do?
A: Objective-See develops free, open-source security software for macOS, including tools to detect malware, monitor network activity, and block unauthorized access.

### Q: Who founded Objective-See?
A: The organization was founded in 2015 by Patrick Wardle, a macOS security researcher and programmer.

### Q: Are Objective-See’s tools free?
A: Yes, all tools developed by Objective-See are free and open-source, with source code available on GitHub.

### Q: Where is Objective-See located?
A: Its headquarters are in Kula, Hawaii, United States.

### Q: How is Objective-See funded?
A: It operates as a nonprofit, relying on donations (e.g., $516,907 in 2023) and grants, with additional support via Patreon.

## Why It Matters
Objective-See plays a critical role in macOS security by providing accessible, no-cost tools that empower users to detect and mitigate threats. Unlike commercial security software, its open-source model fosters transparency and community collaboration, addressing gaps in macOS’s native security features. Tools like LuLu (a firewall) and RansomWhere? (ransomware detection) help users defend against evolving cyber threats without relying on paid solutions. By focusing exclusively on macOS—a platform often overlooked in favor of Windows—Objective-See fills a niche in the cybersecurity ecosystem, making advanced protection available to everyday users, researchers, and enterprises alike.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering macOS security tools**: Developed some of the first free, open-source security utilities tailored for macOS, such as LuLu and BlockBlock.
- **Nonprofit model**: Operates as a 501(c)(3), ensuring tools remain free and community-driven.
- **Proactive threat detection**: Tools like KnockKnock and OverSight identify persistent malware and unauthorized camera/microphone access.
- **Command-line utilities**: Offers specialized tools (e.g., ProcessMonitor, DNSMonitor) for advanced users and security researchers.
- **Industry recognition**: Founder Patrick Wardle is a respected figure in macOS security, frequently cited in research and media.

## Body
### Overview
Objective-See is a U.S.-based nonprofit (501(c)(3)) dedicated to macOS security. It was founded in 2015 by Patrick Wardle, a former NSA researcher and macOS security expert. The organization’s mission is to provide free, open-source tools to enhance macOS security for individuals and organizations.

### Key Tools and Software
Objective-See has developed a suite of macOS security utilities, including:
- **LuLu**: A free, open-source application firewall that blocks unauthorized outgoing connections.
- **KnockKnock**: Scans for persistent malware by analyzing macOS startup items.
- **RansomWhere?**: Detects and blocks ransomware by monitoring file encryption patterns.
- **OverSight**: Alerts users when the microphone or webcam is accessed.
- **BlockBlock**: Monitors and blocks persistent installations (e.g., malware attempting to survive reboots).
- **Command-line tools**: ProcessMonitor, FileMonitor, and DNSMonitor for advanced system monitoring.

### Funding and Operations
- **Revenue**: $593,182 USD in 2023 (up from $408,491 in 2022).
- **Donations**: $516,907 USD in 2023, primarily from individual and organizational supporters.
- **Assets**: $165,281 USD in total assets as of 2023.
- **Patreon**: Active supporter base via Patreon (`objective_see`).

### Online Presence
- **Website**: [https://objective-see.org/](https://objective-see.org/)
- **GitHub**: [https://github.com/objective-see](https://github.com/objective-see) (hosts source code for all tools).
- **Social Media**: Twitter (`@objective_see`), LinkedIn (`objective-see`).

### Legal and Organizational Details
- **Legal Name**: Objective-See Foundation.
- **IRS EIN**: 86-3546876.
- **Headquarters**: Kula, Hawaii.
- **Founder**: Patrick Wardle (references: [Objective-See About Page](https://objective-see.org/about.html)).

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Objective-See",
  "alternateName": "Objective-See Foundation",
  "description": "Non-profit software organization developing free and open-source security tools for macOS.",
  "url": "https://objective-see.org/",
  "foundingDate": "2015",
  "founder": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Patrick Wardle"
  },
  "legalName": "Objective-See Foundation",
  "taxID": "86-3546876",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressLocality": "Kula",
    "addressCountry": "US"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q98384384",
    "https://github.com/objective-see",
    "https://twitter.com/objective_see"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/NonprofitOrganization",
    "https://schema.org/SoftwareCompany"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://objective-see.org/about.html)
2. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/company/objective-see)
3. Nonprofit Explorer
4. [Nonprofit Explorer](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/863546876)