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MacKeeper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MacKeeper
Developer(s)Clario Tech Limited
Kromtech
Zeobit
Initial releaseOctober 1, 2010; 14 years ago (2010-10-01)
Stable release
6.7 / May 2024
Operating systemmacOS OS X El Capitan 10.11 or later
Available in18 languages[1]
List of languages
Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
TypeUtility software
LicenseProprietary commercial software
Websitemackeeper.com Edit this on Wikidata

MacKeeper is a cleanup utility for macOS. MacKeeper was developed by ZeoBIT, later acquired by Kromtech, and is currently owned by Clario Tech.

MacKeeper software is exclusively available for Mac computers, with version 5 (5.10) supporting macOS 10.11-10.12 and version 6 compatible with macOS 10.13 and later.[2]

Now MacKeeper is approved by AppEsteem,[3] and successfully passed multiple tests by AV-TEST.[4][5]

Still, MacKeeper has a troubled and litigious history under previous ownership. Zeobit settled a class action lawsuit accusing them of deceptive advertising and making false claims about MacKeeper's capabilities, and Kromtech unsuccessfully sued MacKeeper critics. Some versions are difficult to uninstall, and some versions have been flagged as undesirable by other anti-virus programs. In 2015, the personal information of 13 million users was publicly accessible on the web.

History

[edit]

MacKeeper was first released in 2010 by Zeobit. From the beginning, it was positioned as a multipurpose technology for Mac users - all MacKeeper’s features were categorized as security, cleaning, optimization, and data control tools.[6] In 2012, the company updated the app to MacKeeper 2, with new features introduced, especially in security.[7] Versions 1 and 2 received mixed reviews.[8][9][10] A 2011 press release by Avira and ZeoBIT revealed that MacKeeper integrated Avira's antivirus scanning engine.[11]

In April 2013, MacKeeper was acquired by Kromtech. Kromtech was closely affiliated with Zeobit, and hired many former Kyiv-based Zeobit employees.[12] In 2015, Kromtech released MacKeeper 3,[13] the app hit 20M downloads and showcased a new Human Inside feature at CES 2015.[14] In December 2015, security researcher Chris Vickery found that MacKeeper customer data was unsecured and publicly accessible on the internet, exposing the emails, phone numbers, and other information of over 13 million MacKeeper users; Kromtech rapidly secured the customer database.[15][16] The company addressed the issue immediately.[17][18] In January 2016, MacKeeper and Chris Vickery established a partnership to deliver the best security and privacy practices together.[19][20]

With the release of MacKeeper 4 in 2018, the app was updated to be compliant with data protection standards.[21] In 2018, MacKeeper received the “Certified” status from AppEsteem.[22]

In 2019, MacKeeper was acquired by a newly-founded company, Clario Tech.[23] In November 2020, Clario released MacKeeper 5, which received 3.5 of 5 star reviews from TechRadar and Macworld.[24][25] Clario obtained ISO 27001 and AV-TEST certification for the product, as well as notarization from Apple.[26][27] The new version includes a VPN, on-demand virus scanning, a memory cleaner, and a disk cleaner.[24]

In 2022, MacKeeper 6 went live with an enhanced set of core features.[28] In March 2024, the latest version was also certified by AV-TEST and received 6/6 for its protection capabilities, 5.5/6 for its performance, and 6/6 for usability.[29]

Software

[edit]

The latest MacKeeper provides a comprehensive suite of instruments for Mac cleaning, security, privacy, and optimization; users also admire its easy-to-use and intuitive interface.[30][31] It also features the Find & Fix tool for thorough Mac checkup and MacKeeper Premium Services which includes 24/7 live support.[32]

MacKeeper’s core cleaning features are represented by Safe Cleanup, Duplicates Finder and Smart Uninstaller. They respectively help detect and delete junk files, such as logs and cache, without risk of removing vital information;[33] find duplicate files, similar photos, screenshots and remove them while leaving the original files safe;[33] and delete apps correctly by removing any leftovers.[33]

The app’s optimization instruments include Memory Cleaner which cleans Mac’s RAM and allows users to control resource-intensive processes;[34] Update Tracker which helps keep Mac apps up to date;[35] and Login Items tool that allows users to manage programs launching at startup.[36]

Antivirus helps find and remove or quarantine malicious files in real-time, while Adware Cleaner is responsible for detecting and deleting adware, as well as sending instant notifications of any found adware. According to tests by SoftwareLab, MacKeeper’s antivirus software detects 97% of malware samples.[33]

The privacy features are ID Theft Guard, Private Connect, and StopAd. ID Theft Guard helps identify compromised passwords and monitor leaked data. Private Connect is a VPN that secures connections on public Wi-Fi and users’ activities from advertisers.[33] StopAd helps block ads and trackers.[33]

Releases and milestones

[edit]

The beta version of the MacKeeper anti-theft software was released in April 2010, while the full first MacKeeper app was launched on October 1, 2010. In 2011, MacKeeper released its second version with an updated user interface and navigation. Later on in 2013, the MacKeeper team introduced a live chat feature as part of its customer support services. At the same time, the app gained 1M installations.

MacKeeper 3 was released in 2014 at the MacWorld conference.[37] Its main updates included a redesigned user interface, a new Memory Cleaner tool, focused on managing and freeing up RAM, 18 localizations, and updated real-time support.[37][38] In 2015, MacKeeper hit 20M downloads. At the International CES 2015, MacKeeper 3 was presented as the first software in the MacKeeper lineup that came equipped with the “Human Inside” technology.[39]

In 2018, MacKeeper’s 4th version was launched.[40] This time, developers introduced a new VPN client, ID Theft Guard tool, and StopAd instrument. Later on in 2019, MacKeeper received its first AppEsteem certification.[41]

MacKeeper 5 was released in 2020 with added real-time antivirus security as a core update.[42] At the same time, the software was notarized by Apple,[43][44] certified by AV-TEST including a 99.7% proven virus-detection rate,[45] received ISO 27001 certification and 4.7 out of 5 stars from Trustpilot. [46] In 2021, MacKeeper gained more than 60 million downloads.[47]

In 2020, MacKeeper users received the 6th version with enhanced and more secure antivirus and upgraded VPN with more server locations.[48]

Reception

[edit]

Many antivirus programs classified MacKeeper version 3 as a potentially unwanted program or adware and prompted users to remove it.[49][50][51][52] The official uninstaller "[left] pieces behind", resulting in regular pop-ups to convince users to reinstall the app.[53] Business Insider recommended users avoid or uninstall the product.[54] Both Tom's Guide and Macworld have published how-to guides for deleting the software.[55][56][53] Version 1 & 2 of the program received mixed reviews, with reviewers being divided as to the effectiveness of the software.[57][58] Some versions of MacKeeper opened a critical security hole in customers' Macs; Kromtech later issued a fix.[59] AV-Comparatives found that MacKeeper warned of "serious" issues on a brand-new clean copy of macOS, which could only be fixed by purchasing the program.[12] This was deemed scareware by cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs.[60] French news outlet Le Figaro called MacKeeper a scam, and criticized its reliance on "fear".[61][55] Computerworld described MacKeeper as "a virulent piece of software".[62]

MacKeeper's marketing tactics drew criticism.[63][12] Zeobit was accused of employing aggressive pop-under ads, planting sockpuppet reviews, and setting up websites to discredit its competitors.[63][64][65] In 2015, PCWorld noted that MacKeeper ads were "all over the web", and that Kromtech claimed to be buying 60 million ad impressions a month. MacKeeper was in part promoted by affiliate sellers, who could earn a 50% commission for sales of the app. Some affiliates promoted MacKeeper in adware. After media criticism, Kromtech claimed it revamped its affiliate program.[12]

MacKeeper's usefulness was disputed by tech media; anti-malware, secure erase, backup, encryption, and anti-theft were either built-into macOS or available for free.[12][66] Top Ten Reviews noted that other Mac anti-malware apps had better detection rates, resulting in a score of 7.5 out of 10.[67] A July 2017 AV-TEST assessment found MacKeeper only detected 85.9 percent of the tested malware.[68][69] The app was notarized by Apple,[70][71] received ISO 27001 certification and 4.7 out of 5 stars from Trustpilot.[72]

Lawsuits

[edit]

In January 2014, a class action lawsuit was filed against Zeobit in Illinois.[73] The lawsuit alleged that "neither the free trial nor the full registered versions of MacKeeper performed any credible diagnostic testing" and reported that a consumer's Mac was in need of repair and was at-risk due to harmful error.[73] In May 2014 a lawsuit was filed against Zeobit in Pennsylvania, alleging that MacKeeper fakes security problems to deceive victims into paying for unneeded fixes.[74][12] On 10 August 2015, Zeobit settled the lawsuit for US$2 million.[75] Customers who bought MacKeeper before 8 July 2015 could apply to get a refund.[76][77]

Kromtech also filed at least two unsuccessful defamation lawsuits against MacKeeper critics. In July 2013 Kromtech sued MacPaw, the developers of CleanMyMac, which was dismissed before the hearing.[78] In 2014, Kromtech sued David A. Cox, who had made a video criticizing MacKeeper; the judge dismissed the case.[79] In July 2016, Kromtech sent a cease and desist letter to Luqman Wadood, a 14-year old technology reviewer who made YouTube videos critical of the app; Luqman said the videos were diplomatic.[80]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "MacKeeper 3.7". Softonic. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
  2. ^ "MacKeeper Review 2024: Mac's Best Friend". All About Cookies. 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  3. ^ "AppEsteem - Certified Apps". customer.appesteem.com. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  4. ^ "MacKeeper Review (2024): Is it Secure Enough?". Cybernews. 2022-08-03. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  5. ^ "Test Clario MacKeeper 6.6 for MacOS Sonoma (245105)". www.av-test.org. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
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  7. ^ "Zeobit LLC Releases a New Version of MacKeeper at the MacWorld | iWorld 2012 Expo". web.archive.org. 2014-03-07. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  8. ^ Battersby, Jeffery (24 Aug 2010). "MacKeeper 0.9.6". Macworld. Archived from the original on 2013-03-14.
  9. ^ Berenstain, Adam (23 September 2011). "MacKeeper System Maintenance Suite Review". MacLife.
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  12. ^ a b c d e f Kirk, Jeremy (5 May 2015). "MacKeeper celebrates a difficult birthday under the cloud of a class action lawsuit". PC World. IDG.
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  16. ^ Brewster, Thomas. "MacKeeper Leaks 13 Million Mac Owners' Data, Leaves Passwords Open To Easy Cracking". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
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  29. ^ "Test Clario MacKeeper 6.6 for MacOS Sonoma (245105)". www.av-test.org. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
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  44. ^ Sparrow, Mark. "MacKeeper Can Keep An Apple Mac Secure, Fast And Lean". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
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  49. ^ Matthews, Mike (2018-01-14). "What MacKeeper is and why you should remove it from your Mac". iMore. Retrieved 2022-11-06.
  50. ^ Withers, Stephen. "2018 Malware outlook: more of the same, says Sophos". ITwire. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
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  53. ^ a b Breen, Christopher (2017-02-14). "How to uninstall MacKeeper from your Mac". Macworld. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
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  55. ^ a b Cohen, Peter (2015-01-21). "What 'MacKeeper' is and why you should avoid it". iMore.
  56. ^ Honorof, Marshall (2015-10-23). "How to Get Rid of MacKeeper". Tom's Guide.
  57. ^ Battersby, Jeffery (24 Aug 2010). "MacKeeper 0.9.6". Macworld. Archived from the original on 2013-03-14.
  58. ^ Berenstain, Adam (23 September 2011). "MacKeeper System Maintenance Suite Review". MacLife.
  59. ^ Lucian Constantin (May 11, 2015). "Controversial MacKeeper security program opens critical hole on Mac computers". PCWorld. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  60. ^ Krebs, Brian (December 14, 2015). "13 Million MacKeeper Users Exposed". Krebs on Security. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
  61. ^ Darmanin, Jules (December 16, 2015). "Les données personnelles de 13 millions d'utilisateurs de MacKeeper exposées". Le Figaro (in French). Retrieved 2022-11-05.
  62. ^ Evans, Jonny (2018-02-14). "Mac: What does 'System Scan is Recommended' mean?". Computerworld. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
  63. ^ a b Kahney, Leander (30 May 2012). "Is MacKeeper Really A Scam?". Cult of Mac.
  64. ^ "MacKeeper, a rather slimy tale". TheMacFeed. Archived from the original on June 21, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
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  66. ^ Hoffman, Chris (2014-03-13). "Does Your Mac Really Need Tools Like MacKeeper?". MakeUseOf. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
  67. ^ "Kromtech MacKeeper Review". Purch Group. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  68. ^ "10 Antivirus Suites for MacOS Sierra Put to the Test". AV-TEST. 2017-07-05.
  69. ^ Perler, Luca (2017-07-19). "Die besten Virenscanner für Mac-Rechner" (in German). Computerworld.
  70. ^ hoakley (2020-06-02). "Is MacKeeper bad for your Mac?". The Eclectic Light Company. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  71. ^ Sparrow, Mark. "MacKeeper Can Keep An Apple Mac Secure, Fast And Lean". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  72. ^ Post, Guest (2022-01-12). "MacKeeper's decade-long journey to win back customer trust". Cult of Mac. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  73. ^ a b Bouboushian, Jack (January 21, 2014). "Class Says 'MacKeeper; Software is Junkware". Courthouse News Service.
  74. ^ Lord, Rich. "Pennsylvania woman sues company that promises computer security". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  75. ^ Clover, Juli. "Customers Who Bought MacKeeper Can Get a Refund Under New Settlement". Retrieved 2015-08-10.
  76. ^ "Yencha v. ZeoBIT LLC Class Action Settlement". Yencha v. ZeoBIT LLC. 7 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  77. ^ Jeremy Kirk (27 May 2015). "Ads for MacKeeper refunds will run on Facebook". Computerworld(IDG).
  78. ^ Tennant, Don (28 May 2015). "MacKeeper's Tarnished Reputation Tip: Convey Your Message, or Others Will Do It for You". IT Business Edge. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  79. ^ "ORDER AND REASONS granting 8 Motion to Dismiss Tech TalkAmerica, LLC for Kromtech of USA, LLC v. Cox et al :: Justia Dockets & Filings". Justia. n.d. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  80. ^ Kallelid, Magnus (23 July 2016). "14-åring fra Madla ble truet av amerikansk dataselskap" [14-year-old from Madla was threatened by US IT company] (in Norwegian). Stavanger Aftenblad. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
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