MacScan is the premier privacy and security suite for Mac OS X, offering spyware protection against malware such as keystroke loggers and trojan horses. Keep your system safe -- pinpoint potential problems and eliminate them with ease!
Protect your privacy with MacScan. The blacklisted cookie scanner allows you to scan for tracking cookies and remove them without deleting all your saved usernames or passwords. MacScan can also clean internet files and cookies for a variety of web browsers, giving you the peace of mind you need to browse the web in safety and
What's New
Version 2.9.3:
Additional browser support for the SeaMonkey web browser
Scheduler bug fixes
Interface changes and the latest definitions to protect against malware affecting Mac OS X.
Requirements
PPC / Intel, Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later
MacScan has always just worked for me. I like that it includes the ability to clear/delete web browser files, a feature that more A/Vs should include.
I used to use Sophos primarily and MacScan occasionally to clean my browser files but a recent Sophos (kext?) update led to kernel panics so now I rely solely on MacScan.
Great tool, used this for several year now. Set to scan daily at 5 AM. Nothing to date found. Update is not as Mac like as I would like, but newer versions recognize old one so no problems with serial numbers. You even get an e mail conformation of purchase which OS zero amount dur.
MacScan keeps finding the same tracking cookies. I wish it would delete the tracking cookies and then replace them with a locked file with the same name, so that the trackers can't keep planting their junk on my machine.
And it does take forever to run even a quick scan.
Cookies are actually stored in a single file. When you visit the web, they're re-inserted. There's no way to "lock" this, except if you set your web browser to simply reject all cookies altogether.
Have you looked at the list ? I've downloaded the 30-day trial and ran an administrative level scan.
Preliminary observations/comments:
1. Today is 31 Jan. Most current scan data is 2 Jan.
2. No "live" protection --- scan-on-demand only
3. I'm wondering what it will do with my remote admin assortment ( an "evil" type it looks for)
4. Frankly, I see no claims that it does anything that I haven't already got covered *LIVE* with browser prefs, OpenDNS, using my head when something asks for my admin level password, the free Sophos AV, and a cookie manager
Scan was still going when I went to bed. I woke up to see that it spotted four tracker cookies (that were no longer where it said they were). It did not say anything about my remote desktop apps ( for mac and for PC remote access). It did not spot my eicar test -- but that is virus, not spyware.
I have removed the software as not useful in my case.
Recently had an issue with registration that required support. This was prompt, helpful and exactly what a software should supply.
Well pleased and well done. The correspondence was also signed by a human with a name - not the usual impersonal "The Team!!").
This soft finds the odd tracking cookie, but doesn't always tell me where it's from. However, that would indicate that it does in fact do something useful.
The biggest gripe I have with it is that it doesn't generate a log, so there is no way to keep a track of what's been done, short of the clumsy work around suggested below of printing the results of the scan to PDF which is a poor substitute for what ought to be included as a standard function.
Make it log and have those logs save automatically and you'll get an additional 2 stars from me.
MacScan is fine. It seems to work well — but of course evaluating a security product is always difficult. If you never get spyware or malware on your machine then MacScan doesn't seem to do much; but if you do have malware and MacScan detects it then MacScan is probably invaluable.
In my case MacScan has never detected any spyware or malware. That hopefully means that I've never had any. But the frustrating thing is that I get many false positives when I run it — ie perfectly normal, safe files are reported as malware. The developers have been OK at reducing these over time... after I reported false positives then they seem to have fixed a number of them. But I continue to get some false positives, even after reporting them. Some false positives might be inevitable, but there are still too many. False positives make me wonder about other problems in the scanning engine... how do I know if it is detecting actual malware properly? I assume it is...
The relatively limited options makes this product pretty easy to use. However the features really are too limited. Some basic features are missing, such as:
* You can't save or copy the results screen (though I think you can print it, if you have a printer which I don't!). So every time I want to report another false positive to them, I have to type out the details by hand. Being unable to copy the results makes it hard to find out more on the problem; for example you can't copy the name of the malware and paste it into Google. Frustrating!
* No way of excluding false positives. There is a handful of files that get marked as spyware every time, even though I know they are definitely safe. But the only option I am given is to isolate/delete the files; there is no option to mark it as 'safe' or 'ignore' so that it doesn't get picked up again and again.
* Limited information in results. MacScan picks up tracking cookies, such as those from advertising networks on the web. But the results only tell you the domain and that it is a tracking cookie — not what the cookie contains, not how old it is, not even which browser the cookie was found in (is it Safari? Firefox? Chrome? Opera?).
* No incremental scan. It typically takes me two days to run a MacScan 'quick scan', probably due to the large number of files I have — I'm a developer and I have over ten million files in my personal folders. With no incremental scan, MacScan has to rescan everything from the start each time. So the result is that I rarely run it — I don't often have two days spare when I can let MacScan run. If I restart the computer in that time, the scan is lost and it starts again from the start. If incremental scanning was supported, I probably use MacScan regularly instead of extremely rarely.
Regarding saving results: if you can print something, you can keep a PDF copy by choosing "save as PDF" in the print window. At least this is so for Snow Leopard and Lion.
I second everything of the above. MacScan is great at what it does, but rather annoying to use regularly. And there's been little development to improve the app in this respect over the years.
I thought it would be interesting to update my review to compare some numbers.
At the end of last year it had found 76 instances of spyware. Seven months later that number is 326.
Updating spyware definitions and cookie blacklists is done pretty much automatically. Set your preferences, and click if you want to download the update(s).
Updating the application itself is a bit more elaborate. You actually make a purchase for $0.00 in order to download the updater. Not a big deal, but an uncommon approach.
Overall I'm very happy with the product. Since I report spam, scams, and phishing Web sites I like to run this at least once a week. Highly recommended.
My one gripe with MacSCAN is that the developers tend to be pretty slow about updating their spyware list.
Case in point; I just installed the latest KeyBag update...v.2.1(KeyBag is one of the spyware programs on MacScan's list) and then ran MacScan(fully updated with the latest spyware definitions) to see if it detected KeyBag. It did not.
The result of the scan was 'no spyware detected'.
This does not inspire confidence.
MacScan's developers need to be much more on the ball, diligent, about keeping their spyware list current.I'm sure that MacScan will update their list once they learn of their oversight.
Yeah, I know that there are quite a few spyware programs out there to keep track of but still, spyware developers just can't be allowed to have the edge.
I just installed DutyWatch, another spyware program on MacScan's list and then ran MacScan(definitions updated); MacScan did not detect Dutywatch either. Results of the scan....
"Spyware Processes Identified-0, Spyware Files Detected-0.
OK, that's two spyware programs, now, that MacScan failed to detect. Seems to me that MacScan's developers have really fallen down on the job.
All right then, to be fair I installed ReFog, another spyware program on MacScan's list and macScan did detect it's presence.
But this was only after I had originally installed it and found that MacScan did not, at that time, detect it. I then notified them about MacScan's lapse and they did then make ReFog detectable.
I'd say that MacScan needs to be regularly and closely monitored on which spyware programs MacScan actually detects; to not do so puts MacScan's users at risk. MacScan's users may very well be using the program under a false sense of security.
SYZZYGY,
We make every effort to keep the MacScan spyware definitions up-to-date against the latest threats to OS X. The latest spyware definition update takes care of the threats you reference. If you feel you are infected with spyware not detected by MacScan, feel free to contact us any time at macsec@securemac.com to arrange a sample for analysis and further investigation.
I just selected three keyloggers from Macscan's detected spyware list, Backtrack, Keybag,
and Keyboard Spy and installed them.
I then ran my copy of macScan v.2.6 updated with the latest definitions version (as of 17th April 2009) 2009007).
Macscan did not detect any of those three Spyware programs.
I suggest that anyone counting on MacScan to detect installed spyware perform their own due diligence otherwise you may be using MacScan under a sense of false security.
A new version of keyboard spy was released today. When new threats emerge we update the spyware definitions as soon as we have analyzed the threat. Macscan does detect all three of the listed spyware. Please feel free to contact macsec@securemac.com to further troubleshoot detection and to further advise you in proper detection and removal.
We thank you for your feedback.
HEAD'S UP!
A big shortcoming of MacScan is its apparent inability to detect spyware that uses Stealth/Invisability methods which is claimed to render the spyware undetectable. I tested MacScan with one of them (Aobo Keylogger) and MacScan didn't detect it.
Unless SecureMac...MacScan's developer, is able to "sensitize" MacScan to the presence of such spyware, MacScan can't be considered totally reliable.
There's at least one other spyware program out there that claims to be undetectable(Perfect Keylogger).
SecureMac has been alerted to this issue.
MacScan does indeed detect both of the programs mentioned. It is important to make sure you are running the latest version of MacScan and definitions available. To do so simply launch MacScan and click the MacScan menu and select 'Check for Updates'. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have and if users find spyware not detected you may submit samples and information to macsec@securemac.com
Hi, I have been trying to run, install macscan but not able to. It says that this version has expired and suggest to go to http://macscan.securemac.com for an updated version. But even there i get the same problem.. any idea's what I can do..
[Version 2.0b2]
3 Replies
Anonymouscommented on 09 Oct 2005
I too have tried to install MacScan and get the same message.
Anonymouscommented on 09 Oct 2005
According to the forum on the developer's website, the current version is expired, and they are in the process of updating a new version. Why the download is still active on MacUpdate/the developer's site is another question...
Anonymouscommented on 10 Oct 2005
Since there are no, I repeat, no trojans or spyware (except for those which the administrator of the OS X installation must him/herself elect to install, such as keystroke loggers) for OS X all you are likely to need or want is:
Please login or create a new MacUpdate Member account to use this feature
Watch Lists are available to MacUpdate Desktop Members Upgrade Now
Download and auto-install
using MacUpdate Desktop. Save
time moving folders and cleaning-up.
MacScan is the premier privacy and security suite for Mac OS X, offering spyware protection against malware such as keystroke loggers and trojan horses. Keep your system safe -- pinpoint potential problems and eliminate them with ease!
Protect your privacy with MacScan. The blacklisted cookie scanner allows you to scan for tracking cookies and remove them without deleting all your saved usernames or passwords. MacScan can also clean internet files and cookies for a variety of web browsers, giving you the peace of mind you need to browse the web in safety and security.
Stay up-to-date. With your purchase of MacScan, you will be able to download the latest version of the definitions without paying monthly contract or support fees. Stay on the cutting edge of anti-virus technology, and protect your Mac from unwanted intruders like never before.
+361
Penguirl reviewed on 24 May 2012
I used to use Sophos primarily and MacScan occasionally to clean my browser files but a recent Sophos (kext?) update led to kernel panics so now I rely solely on MacScan.
+5
Pepper131 reviewed on 18 May 2012
+3
+5
Largesse reviewed on 22 Feb 2012
And it does take forever to run even a quick scan.
+172
+95
Cookies are actually stored in a single file. When you visit the web, they're re-inserted. There's no way to "lock" this, except if you set your web browser to simply reject all cookies altogether.
+1
+96
Gregm reviewed on 02 Feb 2012
Preliminary observations/comments:
1. Today is 31 Jan. Most current scan data is 2 Jan.
2. No "live" protection --- scan-on-demand only
3. I'm wondering what it will do with my remote admin assortment ( an "evil" type it looks for)
4. Frankly, I see no claims that it does anything that I haven't already got covered *LIVE* with browser prefs, OpenDNS, using my head when something asks for my admin level password, the free Sophos AV, and a cookie manager
Scan was still going when I went to bed. I woke up to see that it spotted four tracker cookies (that were no longer where it said they were). It did not say anything about my remote desktop apps ( for mac and for PC remote access). It did not spot my eicar test -- but that is virus, not spyware.
I have removed the software as not useful in my case.
Lithgow Associates reviewed on 30 Dec 2011
Well pleased and well done. The correspondence was also signed by a human with a name - not the usual impersonal "The Team!!").
Peter
+2
+293
Kobalt reviewed on 22 Dec 2011
The biggest gripe I have with it is that it doesn't generate a log, so there is no way to keep a track of what's been done, short of the clumsy work around suggested below of printing the results of the scan to PDF which is a poor substitute for what ought to be included as a standard function.
Make it log and have those logs save automatically and you'll get an additional 2 stars from me.
+7
+7
Gutch reviewed on 18 Sep 2011
In my case MacScan has never detected any spyware or malware. That hopefully means that I've never had any. But the frustrating thing is that I get many false positives when I run it — ie perfectly normal, safe files are reported as malware. The developers have been OK at reducing these over time... after I reported false positives then they seem to have fixed a number of them. But I continue to get some false positives, even after reporting them. Some false positives might be inevitable, but there are still too many. False positives make me wonder about other problems in the scanning engine... how do I know if it is detecting actual malware properly? I assume it is...
The relatively limited options makes this product pretty easy to use. However the features really are too limited. Some basic features are missing, such as:
* You can't save or copy the results screen (though I think you can print it, if you have a printer which I don't!). So every time I want to report another false positive to them, I have to type out the details by hand. Being unable to copy the results makes it hard to find out more on the problem; for example you can't copy the name of the malware and paste it into Google. Frustrating!
* No way of excluding false positives. There is a handful of files that get marked as spyware every time, even though I know they are definitely safe. But the only option I am given is to isolate/delete the files; there is no option to mark it as 'safe' or 'ignore' so that it doesn't get picked up again and again.
* Limited information in results. MacScan picks up tracking cookies, such as those from advertising networks on the web. But the results only tell you the domain and that it is a tracking cookie — not what the cookie contains, not how old it is, not even which browser the cookie was found in (is it Safari? Firefox? Chrome? Opera?).
* No incremental scan. It typically takes me two days to run a MacScan 'quick scan', probably due to the large number of files I have — I'm a developer and I have over ten million files in my personal folders. With no incremental scan, MacScan has to rescan everything from the start each time. So the result is that I rarely run it — I don't often have two days spare when I can let MacScan run. If I restart the computer in that time, the scan is lost and it starts again from the start. If incremental scanning was supported, I probably use MacScan regularly instead of extremely rarely.
+2
+13
Regarding saving results: if you can print something, you can keep a PDF copy by choosing "save as PDF" in the print window. At least this is so for Snow Leopard and Lion.
+3
+172
Bmuldoon reviewed on 03 Sep 2011
+1
+15
Ok14me21 reviewed on 08 Aug 2011
Find 5 Trojan Horses and 157 spyware at my harddisk on first run ;-)
+1
+731
Espiridion reviewed on 01 Aug 2011
At the end of last year it had found 76 instances of spyware. Seven months later that number is 326.
Updating spyware definitions and cookie blacklists is done pretty much automatically. Set your preferences, and click if you want to download the update(s).
Updating the application itself is a bit more elaborate. You actually make a purchase for $0.00 in order to download the updater. Not a big deal, but an uncommon approach.
Overall I'm very happy with the product. Since I report spam, scams, and phishing Web sites I like to run this at least once a week. Highly recommended.
+3
+27
Case in point; I just installed the latest KeyBag update...v.2.1(KeyBag is one of the spyware programs on MacScan's list) and then ran MacScan(fully updated with the latest spyware definitions) to see if it detected KeyBag. It did not.
The result of the scan was 'no spyware detected'.
This does not inspire confidence.
MacScan's developers need to be much more on the ball, diligent, about keeping their spyware list current.I'm sure that MacScan will update their list once they learn of their oversight.
Yeah, I know that there are quite a few spyware programs out there to keep track of but still, spyware developers just can't be allowed to have the edge.
+2
+27
"Spyware Processes Identified-0, Spyware Files Detected-0.
OK, that's two spyware programs, now, that MacScan failed to detect. Seems to me that MacScan's developers have really fallen down on the job.
All right then, to be fair I installed ReFog, another spyware program on MacScan's list and macScan did detect it's presence.
But this was only after I had originally installed it and found that MacScan did not, at that time, detect it. I then notified them about MacScan's lapse and they did then make ReFog detectable.
I'd say that MacScan needs to be regularly and closely monitored on which spyware programs MacScan actually detects; to not do so puts MacScan's users at risk. MacScan's users may very well be using the program under a false sense of security.
+2
We make every effort to keep the MacScan spyware definitions up-to-date against the latest threats to OS X. The latest spyware definition update takes care of the threats you reference. If you feel you are infected with spyware not detected by MacScan, feel free to contact us any time at macsec@securemac.com to arrange a sample for analysis and further investigation.
+10
+296
and Keyboard Spy and installed them.
I then ran my copy of macScan v.2.6 updated with the latest definitions version (as of 17th April 2009) 2009007).
Macscan did not detect any of those three Spyware programs.
I suggest that anyone counting on MacScan to detect installed spyware perform their own due diligence otherwise you may be using MacScan under a sense of false security.
We thank you for your feedback.
+10
+294
A big shortcoming of MacScan is its apparent inability to detect spyware that uses Stealth/Invisability methods which is claimed to render the spyware undetectable. I tested MacScan with one of them (Aobo Keylogger) and MacScan didn't detect it.
Unless SecureMac...MacScan's developer, is able to "sensitize" MacScan to the presence of such spyware, MacScan can't be considered totally reliable.
There's at least one other spyware program out there that claims to be undetectable(Perfect Keylogger).
SecureMac has been alerted to this issue.
-5
-1
-1
1) Apple's built-in firewall
2) ClamXav
3) Little Snitch
+5
Mistertoad44 rated on 06 May 2012
We4u rated on 06 May 2012
Tim Bennett rated on 30 Apr 2012
James Hudson rated on 26 Apr 2012
+2
Lls rated on 11 Apr 2012
geraldbye rated on 05 Apr 2012
Heroldperard rated on 22 Mar 2012
+1
Valerama rated on 16 Mar 2012
Terry@etok.net-A#ag rated on 14 Mar 2012
Dfei rated on 14 Mar 2012