Before describing what this program does, it is easier to explain what it does not: Amazingly, it does not scan files for viruses or protect your system. Instead, it monitors already running processes and will inform you if a virus was found. It does nothing to preempt the virus. It does nothing to protect your computer or your data. It will not tell you what files were infected nor will it clean your system.
From McAffe's website, "(McAfee Security Scan Plus) Alerts direct customer to McAfee offerings if antivirus software, firewall protection or web security is out-of-date or not found. Offers also appear for users who are protected but may want to consider other security software products."
In other words, it is an advertising program.
This is pure, unadulterated junk masquerading in a fancy name. It should be un-installed. I cannot be any firmer. And, as you will see below, it can also cause browser problems.
McAfee is aggressively advertising this program and if you allow it to install, it will encourage you to buy their full-fledged product. While this program is not a virus, it is acting like one.
How did you get it?
The web is awash with people commenting they did not know where the software came from. Sadly, it is being installed by venerated companies, such as Adobe and Sun Java, among others. The software comes as a payload, attached to other popular programs and it installs almost surreptitiously as part of other software.
Adobe Flash Player Install: Shame
For example, Adobe Flash Player (and its updates) installs the program on the unsuspecting with a default "Yes" install. Note the subtle checkbox a few steps into the installation process:
Similarly, Oracle/Sun Java threatens to install McAfee's product with this prompt, right at the moment you are tempted to click "next":
In other words, if you unexpectedly have this software, it is because you allowed it to install! Money and other kickbacks must be involved because why else would these companies do this?
My daughter caught her copy on her school's website, again with a default opt-in "Yes" being checked. She clicked yes to install other, unrelated software, and got more than was hoped.
A Default YES is a Sin!
Vendors hocking this software with a default opt-in (yes-install-me-when-you-don't-expect-it) is a disservice to these company's customers and is a disservice to hard-working, already-protected computers everywhere. This is reprehensible and shameful behavior. Be sure to complain and fight back. If the default were "No", this would not be as big of an issue and you would not be reading this article.
Does it cause problems: It can.
While McAfee claims the program can run along-side other virus scanners, my experience shows otherwise. Consider my daughter's laptop: Both IE and Firefox were crashing several times per hour. The most recent change: McAfee Security Scan Plus. Having two virus scanners (McAfee and Microsoft Security Essentials MSE) running on the same computer is never a good idea. Uninstall McAfee and this will fix the problem.
Past experience with McAfee's commercial and retail products has been poor. Especially in the retail market, I found McAfee's products to be bloated and cause more problems than they solve -- and this despite the awards bestowed by trade magazines. McAfee mercilessly pesters for paid renewals and many were set to auto-deduct from checking accounts with no recourse to stop the charges. Behaviors like these, along with default installs, have not endeared me to their products. Symantec has not been much better.
More often-than-not, I found un-installing McAfees and Symantec's Virus scanners dramatically improved the machine's performance. To un-install, open the control panel's "Programs and Features" (or XP's Add-Remove programs). Virus scanners are still a necessary evil. When you are done removing McAfee's software, install Microsoft's free Security Essentials.
Update:
I found a variety of other website reviewing Mcafee Security Scan Plus. Of the 30 reviews, none were more than two stars -- and the two star review was a cursory article where they clearly did not research the program. Here are sample reader comments, which I thought were funny. Most used one or more exclamation points!!!
- bloatware, junkware, whatever. It should be a crime to auto-install this junk. It does nothing for you, and takes up resources.
- Latest Java update installs this bloatware!
- Crapware - Any company that does piggyback installs shows a true lack of concern for the user - For a "security" company to use these tactics should be criminal
- How do I give this no stars?! First it's McAfee which is bad. Second it's bloatware. And third it detects even less than a full install of McAfee.
- Doesn't do a whole lot except consume system resources, Definitely pass on it.
This article was originally published earlier this year, but was re-written and shortened to be more forceful in describing this program's behavior. Frankenstein graphics added to give a little color to such a dreary subject.
Related Links:
Keyliner Review: Microsoft Security Essentials
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