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A Browser Cleaner to Improve Your Web Surfing Experience

A Browser Cleaner to Improve Your Web Surfing Experience

Vote: (1 votes)

Program license: Free (ads)

Developer: Wang Zheng

Version: 1.3.1

Works under: Mac

Vote:

Program license

(1 votes)

Free (ads)

Developer

Version

Wang Zheng

1.3.1

Works under:

Mac

Pros

  • None, based on recent revelations by security researchers.

Cons

  • Program takes user data and transmits data to Chinese servers.
  • Adware identification and removal feature doesn't work that well.
  • Program no longer available for download on Macs.
  • Existing users should delete this program immediately.

Adware Doctor is an adware identification and removal utility for Mac. Before security issues arose, the program was one of the top paid programs for OS X. Security researchers identified the program as a major security risk in 2018. The program was swiftly removed from the Mac App Store after the announcement. Was the program ever a good adware removal option before this action was taken?

How Does Adware Doctor Perform As A Utility?

Unfortunately, Adware Doctor isn't a noteworthy adware removal program in any way. The program legitimately identifies some forms of adware and allows for their removal. A quarantine feature is included as well. However, the program is slow to scan and is known to miss some notable examples of adware. While the program features an attractive design, it's disappointing that it doesn't perform to expectations.

The Real Issue With This Particular Program

More importantly, Mac security researchers found a major issue with the program. Adware Doctor asks for permission to access users' "Home" folder upon installation. The program immediately begins to track user data and transmit that information to servers located within China. That's a red flag on its own, but the practice breaks the program's own privacy policy as well as Apple's terms of use.

Adware Doctor Is No Longer Available Through Regular Download Channels

For that reason alone, Mac users need to stay away from this program at all costs. It's no longer available in the Mac App Store, and it's not widely available elsewhere. Apple took the proactive step of removing the program out of an abundance of caution. Nonetheless, most people would say it's clear the program had malicious intent of some sort, regardless of the reasoning provided by the developers.

The Verdict On Adware Doctor: Should Users Download This Program?

In simple terms, Adware Doctor is best avoided by Mac users today. The program itself might work more like adware than an adware removal tool. Poor adware identification and questionable data transmission practices make this program a danger to all users. Without a doubt, better adware removal solutions are available for Mac users, and they more than likely abide by Apple's terms of use and their own privacy policies.

Pros

  • None, based on recent revelations by security researchers.

Cons

  • Program takes user data and transmits data to Chinese servers.
  • Adware identification and removal feature doesn't work that well.
  • Program no longer available for download on Macs.
  • Existing users should delete this program immediately.

This download is no longer available. This could be due to the program being discontinued, having a security issue or for some other reason.

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