MacSweeper is a malicious app that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware, or viruses on their computers. This is the first known "rogue" app for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a computer security software company based in Finland on January 17, 2008.
As of 2009, the official website for the app, macsweeper.com, is offline, although the home page for the KiVVi Software is still accessible.
Video MacSweeper
Problems caused by MacSweeper
MacSweeper can be downloaded through the KiVVi software (the company that created the "rogue" website), as a drive-by download, or quietly downloaded with other apps. Once installed automatically, MacSweeper scans the computer and notifies users that many applications on their computers (such as iCal or Dashboard, Apple's secure apps installed previously) are "binary or trash" and should be slimmed down immediately. When unsuspecting users try to "Clear Objects", they are told that the downloaded trial version can not remove the trash should. Then the user must provide credit card details to the company for $ 39.99 "lifetime subscription key lock".
Maps MacSweeper
Clone
MacSweeper Graphical User Interface and behavior is almost identical to other programs published by KiVVi Software, Cleanator. Cleanator, but designed for Windows operating system. It is also very similar to the SpySheriff and SpyAxe apps, which are famous for Google's typosquatting. A paragraph from within the software that encourages users to purchase the full version identical to SpySheriff.
Deletion
Companies including McAfee, Symantec and Sunbelt Software have identified threats and have posted removal instructions on their website. Intego VirusBarrier and iAntivirus can also remove it. SiteAdvisor, a division of McAfee has controversially given the site a green rating. However, SiteAdvisor tests are performed on the PC, which can not recognize.dmg, the MacSweeper file format.
Media Attention
MacSweeper has received a lot of media attention from websites including CNET as well as others, as it is considered to be one of the first examples of malware designed for Mac OS X operating systems.
MacSweeper Response
After F-Secure notifies Macintosh users of the rogue, MacSweeper responds on the F-Secure website, saying
I want to explain all the situations, about MacSweeper.
We really try to make good software, and you will not find any viruses/spyware/trojan/malware on MacSweeper (test it yourself, if you do not trust me, you can use any kind of firewall, dissatisfied person, or other tools).
The problem is we use a sales partner who forces us to use this type of marketing. We want to leave them, we do not want to really destroy the Good Name Application from MacSweeper.
Personally I love Mac Platform, and it hurts to hear that the program you wrote is said to be some kind of "Rogue app", I do not want to spoil the good behavior of the software written for it :( (
I want to say sorry for any inconvenience we can give you, but believe MacSweeper is meant to be a useful app. You can ask Questions, and I'll try to answer them!
Thank you! support@macsweeper.com
References
http://blog.intego.com/index.php?s=macsweeper
See also
- Computer Security
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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