Unwanted Apps

CleanMyMac by Kromtech is one of the most wide-spread and controversial optimisation and security applications for Mac OS. Currently it is considered legitimate and practicable program for performing Mac OS maintenance. However, due to questionable methods of distribution and obsessive behaviour when installed on Mac machines, it is determined by some reputable antivirus products as potentially unwanted application (PUA) or rogue program. For example, BitDefender Antivirus for Mac and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac detect and offer to remove CleanMyMac on our test MacBook Pro. After installing CleanMyMac starts showing alerts, reminders and warnings, claiming, that your Mac is "severely infected", "has serious performance issues", or "needs deep cleanup". Annoying windows force some users to buy this application. The scale of the problems is exaggerated, CleanMyMac is acting as "scareware".

Chromium is browser similar to Google Chrome. It is built on open source platform called Chromium. Many adware developers use it to develop Chrome-like browsers and install them using "bundle" along with free programs. Chromium sets itself as default browser for internet surfing and replaces Google Chrome icons on the desktop and pinned icons on taskbar. Users sometimes do not recognize the change.

Snap Media Player is advertising application for Mac developed by New Media Holdings. The player itself is not dangerous, but useless as it doesn't provide functionality other than MacOS preinstalled apps. However, its installer is based on the InstallCore advertising platform. During installation, you will be offered to download different third-party programs. For example, Avira, Facebook (fake), Booking (fake), CleanMyMac, and others. Some of these programs are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUA) because they were not developed by companies, that own brands (Facebook app, Booking app).

MacShiny is a fake Mac optimization program, that is promoted via phishing landing pages, claiming it will fix MacOS issues. After infiltration, MacShiny performs a PC scan and finds nonexistent or inessential issues on the Mac computer, presenting these problems as "critical". Another trick is waiting for you in subscription payment. It is stated that the monthly fee is $1.99, however, it goes up to $49.99 from the second month. There are many complaints from our readers, that MacShiny slows down Mac performance.

Mac Clean Pro is rogue application for Mac OS, promoted as effective system optimization and cleanup utility. Although, it performs a scan and finds some, probably, unnecessary files - it is impossible to verify whether those files will be removed as it demands $49.95 for removal. If user won't buy the licence, Mac Clean Pro will bombard the desktop with alerts and messages in the right-bottom corner, saying your Mac needs optimization or heavily infected. Such statements are false, as our team tested application on brand new MacBook Pro and Mac Clean Pro still detects numerous perfomance issues. Either found problems are non-existent or hugely exaggerated, which puts Mac Clean Pro in the category of potentially unwanted apps (PUA or PUP).

Mac Mechanic is potentially unwanted program for Mac OS, that looks like legitimate application for system optimization and virus removal. It originates from India. After the test on new MacBook Mac Mechanic finds several "high-risk" problems and demands from 19.95 to 49.95 Euros for solving. However, some of the results are false, which puts the program to the category of rogue software. When users try to uninstall Mac Mechanic by moving it to trash it says "application cannot be deleted".

Mac Tonic, similar to Win Tonic, is rogue optimization and security application for Mac OS. Although, it has look and feel of a legitimate program, Mac Tonic was designed to earn money on unnecessary Mac tweaks, pseudo-optimization and other features, that can be achieved by means of operating system options itself or by using free programs. It is installed on computers without users consent and adds itself to Mac startup. After installation Mac Tonic scans your system for viruses and errors, and always finds something even on brand new machines. Then it offers to purchase it to fix the issues. If users ignore it, program starts displaying alerts on the desktop.

Chrominio Message Center is annoying badware, that is hiddenly installed in Windows and shows different variations of pop-ups. This pop-ups contain following messages and promote Chromium browser. Chromium is built on the same platform as Google Chrome, they look similar, and many users can get confused. Malefactors use this to substitute Chrome on users computers with Chromium filled with adware, pre-installed malicious extension and unwanted search engines. Chrominio Message Center is intermediary program, but it can bring major problems.