Huckleberry Pie Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 (edited) OK, so I got pissed off at some rouge Mac app that's plaguing OS X users recently, named MacSweeper, which claims to scan and clean OS Xs for problems, but actually does nothing but trouble for the unsuspecting user, scaring him/her to buy the product. In fact, the online scan (link provided only for Windows users; Mac users, avoid clicking it to prevent any problems) is a fake - I tried visiting the supposed scan page, but surprisingly, it showed a scan progress bar and some text, even though I'm using Windows. A legitimate antivirus/security program's online scan service checks the user's operating system and browser, and prompts him/her to download or install an ActiveX control or a plugin - the "scanner", when decompiled using a Flash decompiler tool, is only just a Flash animation, displaying a mock progress bar with some text that are supposedly paths your files, but are actually strings of text masquerading as filenames that are being "scanned". In short, it's a trap, and a scam. It will ask you your credit card info, which they might steal and use illegally. Contrary to the statement made by the developers of the app, its use of deception and scare tactics are an obvious evidences of bad business practices by the company responsible for this incident. What do you think? Edited August 26, 2008 by Huckleberry Pie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX22B1998 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 hah looks pretty dodgy thank god i dont have a mac i hate those software that will scan for free but then you have to pay to actually remove anything, i dont see the point. i downloaded and installed some anti spyware thing that did that a while ago. so stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huckleberry Pie Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 hah looks pretty dodgythank god i dont have a mac i hate those software that will scan for free but then you have to pay to actually remove anything, i dont see the point. i downloaded and installed some anti spyware thing that did that a while ago. so stupid. Actually, the so-called free scan they provided does nothing but shows a Flash animation of a mock scan applet. Decompiled it recently and fond that the "files" that it displays are just strings of text made to look like actual OS X files... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX22B1998 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 yeah i read that. but yeah...boo spyware lol. if u get to use a mac with OSX, eg in a shop or something press ctrl + alt + command + 8 that reverses the screen colours. someone did it at school and the teacher thought the monitor was broken. lolz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotYouHaha Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Of course, I hate those software. They're usually from the internet as far as I know and Windows have their own versions. I don't know if they do the same thing, but they supposedly scan your computer, but you need to buy the complete software to remove the virus/trojan/whatever. Don't trust all virus scanning programs on the internet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris82 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Who the fuck uses Macs? For that matter, even if they did, so few others do that security is generally not a problem. Hence And software like this is not that uncommon in the first place, if you really nead an anti-virus for Windows look no further than Kaspersky or if you're cheap, AVG/avast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huckleberry Pie Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share Posted August 27, 2008 And if the software warns you like crazy, like "CRITICAL SYSTEM ALERT! DOWNLOAD WINFIXER NOW!" or something, avoid it like vermin... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX22B1998 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Who the fuck uses Macs? For that matter, even if they did, so few others do that security is generally not a problem.Hence And software like this is not that uncommon in the first place, if you really nead an anti-virus for Windows look no further than Kaspersky or if you're cheap, AVG/avast! LOL. Yeah that's how I saw it too, nobody bothers writing viruses cos nobody uses mac XD. woo AVG. lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huckleberry Pie Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share Posted August 27, 2008 Actually, most of the fake security programs were either made or financed by the so-called Russian Business Network, an underground syndicate who provides hosting for dubious and black-market activities, such as porn, distribution and spamming of fake medicines, malware, and DDOS attacks. I think some Mafia group is either connected or involved with this syndicate, judging from the amount of cash these groups make... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandora Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 I'm so happy that Mac OS X is finally getting attention from the hacking community. If I'm not mistaken, they're still busy with reverse-engineering it, and we'll see a shit load of viruses coming starting November. I'd like all these Mac users to finally STFU about their system not getting any viruses because it's so superior too Windows, cause it isn't. Nobody just gives a shit about OS X to make a virus for it. And 85% (or something like that) of Mac Users don't have any virus protection on their computer at all. Future looks bright (: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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