MacScan
Encyclopedia
MacScan is an application for Apple's Mac OS X
developed by SecureMac.
The software is an anti-malware
utility, aimed at removing malware (including spyware
, Trojan horses
, keystroke loggers
, and tracking cookies). It was the first anti-spyware
program released for Mac OS X
. In addition, the application scans for remote administration programs, like Apple Remote Desktop
, allowing users to verify that such programs are installed only with their authorization.
. A fully functional 30-day trial is available for free at the Developer's website for download.
MacScan originates with the SecureMac.com forums, as it was developed in response to specific user concerns about malware. Given the stated purpose of SecureMac to keep the Mac platform secure, it releases removal utilities to the public free of charge when a threat might compromise the broader platform. Such releases have included:
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
developed by SecureMac.
The software is an anti-malware
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming that is designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, or gain unauthorized access to system resources, or that otherwise exhibits abusive behavior...
utility, aimed at removing malware (including spyware
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's...
, Trojan horses
Trojan horse (computing)
A Trojan horse, or Trojan, is software that appears to perform a desirable function for the user prior to run or install, but steals information or harms the system. The term is derived from the Trojan Horse story in Greek mythology.-Malware:A destructive program that masquerades as a benign...
, keystroke loggers
Keystroke logging
Keystroke logging is the action of tracking the keys struck on a keyboard, typically in a covert manner so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored...
, and tracking cookies). It was the first anti-spyware
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's...
program released for Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
. In addition, the application scans for remote administration programs, like Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop is a Macintosh application produced by Apple Inc., first released on March 14, 2002, that replaced a similar product called Apple Network Assistant...
, allowing users to verify that such programs are installed only with their authorization.
Full Software and Targeted Removal Tools
The full version of MacScan is available as SharewareShareware
The term shareware is a proprietary software that is provided to users without payment on a trial basis and is often limited by any combination of functionality, availability, or convenience. Shareware is often offered as a download from an Internet website or as a compact disc included with a...
. A fully functional 30-day trial is available for free at the Developer's website for download.
MacScan originates with the SecureMac.com forums, as it was developed in response to specific user concerns about malware. Given the stated purpose of SecureMac to keep the Mac platform secure, it releases removal utilities to the public free of charge when a threat might compromise the broader platform. Such releases have included: