I do not always understand the weird connections some app wants to make, but if they strike me as unusual it's quite easy to "err" on the side of caution, deny access and go find what I want somewhere else. Simple as that. Certain applications I trust (Adobe was an auto update system for Adobe) but I turn off all preferences for auto updates. They're a nuisance. I then know that when an application "calls home" or attempts to do something not set in preferences that I need to inquire of the vendor just exactly what is going on. Most don't answer. And those are the ones to permanently block: Snapz Pro X from Ambrosia is a prime example. They claim it's only auto checking for updates. I suggest they make that an option like 95% of the rest of the world. I have noi idea or way of determing exactoy what it is I'm sending them. And I won't buy their 2.x upgrade if it has the same spyware feature. This is good software.