MacSweeper

MacSweeper is a rouge security software that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their system. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. 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 viruses for the Mac OS X operating system.

MacSweeper's GUI and behaviour is almost identical to another program that is published by KiVVi Software, Cleanator. Cleanator, however is designed for Windows operating systems.

Companies including McAfee, Symantec and Sunbelt Software have identified the threat and have posted removal instructions on their websites. SiteAdvisor, a division of McAfee has controversially given the site a green rating. However, SiteAdvisor's tests are conducted on PCs, that cannot recognise .dmg, the file format of MacSweeper.

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