![]() ![]() The ReversingLabs A1000 platform provides an overview of the certificate trust chain, as illustrated below. One way to identify MacKeeper is by looking at its certificate information. This is simply a scare tactic to encourage users to purchase the software while evaluating the trial version. The numerous “critical” issues that it will identify on even a brand-new, out-of-the-box Mac, are not real. In the meantime, MacKeeper had gone through some major updates, but the spiel remained the same. The software is also reported to be problematic to uninstall. Planted sock-puppet reviews, as well as websites set up to discredit their competitors.Misleading advertising and promotion tactics, including aggressive affiliates. ![]() It is a rogue “antivirus” (AV) application for macOS designed to "optimize and clean a computer system." MacKeeper is considered malicious due to its: MacKeeper is a long-lasting and controversial threat the first beta-version of MacKeeper 0.8 was released on May 13th, 2010, and it has been observed in the wild ever since. One of the most popular PUAs in 2019 was MacKeeper. On the other hand, Adware and PUA usually trick users into clicking and installing them, and are thus targeting all unsuspecting macOS owners.įigure 2: Distribution of macOS PUA Families On the one hand, this is because the malware campaigns on macOS tend to be more targeted and limited in scope. While their test was run only on devices that already had their software installed, thus introducing a considerable amount of bias, their research also confirms that macOS is particularly targeted by Adware and PUA campaigns. Recently, Malwarebytes also released a report noting the rise in detected infections on macOS devices, with the majority of detections being varieties of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We found that one out of every two malicious macOS files is a PUA or Adware file. ReversingLabs already posted the findings on the state of macOS malware in 2019. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.įigure 1: Distribution of macOS Malware Types There is a general opinion that Windows users are the ones having malware problems and that macOS, because of its Unix under-the-hood “pedigree”, is simply immune to infection. Other practices generally accepted as riskware, scareware, adware, greyware, or otherwise commonly unwanted software by the user community.In general, hurting or diminishing end-user experience.Predominantly negative feedback or ratings from the user community.Difficulty uninstalling or removing the software.Using exaggerated findings (such as claiming temp files, cookies, registry entries, etc are harmful) as scare tactics to get users to purchase.Using fake installers for commonly used software (such as Adobe Flash Player) to push your product.Unwarranted, unnecessary, excessive, illegitimate, or deceptive modifications of system settings, security settings or configuration (including browser settings and toolbars that bring no additional value over the standard operating system and legitimate application settings).Aggressive or deceptive behavior especially surrounding purchasing or licensing, including using affiliates and third parties who use different tactics or techniques to get users to purchase, then what is available from the manufacturer's website.Excessive or deceptive distribution, affiliate or opt-out bundling practices which may or may not include SEO poisoning techniques.Using pop-ups, pop-unders, ad insertion, ad overlays, ad replacement.Obtrusive, misleading, or deceptive advertising, branding, or search practices.For example, Malwarebytes follows these specific criteria: If this doesn't seem like a big deal, think again - these apps could be analyzing and running even on secure sites (like your bank portal, ecommerce/credit card processing website, or email infrastructure), sending data back to their servers.Īlthough analyzing and categorizing potentially unwanted software is a complex problem, there are general rules that some security vendors follow to classify PUAs. ![]() After they sneak onto your computer, they usually hijack your browser, insert advertisements, and track you while you surf the Internet. These stealthy applications are often installed on a device by hitching a ride with downloads of useful software. While attacks through resident malware can often be attributed to criminals, there are dangers to privacy looming from a completely different corner - potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Thinking about malware files usually leads to thoughts of some criminal organization looking to attack you and steal your files, money or personal data for their own benefit. ![]()
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