According to security vendor F-Secure, MacSweeper is a new player to avoid in the rogue security software game, and is likely the first fraudulent anti-spyware product targeted to Mac users.

Rogue security software coerces users into downloading supposedly beneficial software that instead is either malicious or simply ineffective. This type of software uses scare tactics, such as pop-up alerts that claim spyware has been detected on a user's machine, and usually offers a free system scan. The scan reports finding numerous problems and offers a way to fix them - if only the user will download or buy the full version of the software. Depending on the specific piece of rogue software, that full download might itself carry badware, or it might just be a wasted expense.

The emergence of rogue anti-spyware targeting Mac users could ironically be evidence of a positive trend - an increasing demand from Mac owners for security products. Regardless of your choice of operating system, it's important to stay up to date on computer security issues that might affect your machine. One of the key ways to protect yourself is by using legitimate, frequently updated anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.

But how can you tell if a security product is safe? First,
don't let yourself be easily fooled by scare tactics or other forms of social engineering. Many rogue software pop-up ads are designed to look like official alerts from operating systems, so verify the source of a message before agreeing to a download. Look for telltale signs like misspelled words and poor grammar that you wouldn't expect from a legitimate application, or hyperbole and sensationalist statements about what may be wrong with your computer.

Luckily, you're not on your own in trying to tell if an application is a fraud or the real deal - you can also check the software's reputation. Search the internet for mentions of the software you're considering downloading, and keep your eyes out for complaints. Try searching for the name of the software along with terms like "rogue," "malware," "fraud" and "scam." Find sources of recommendations you trust, and see what others are saying about the products those trusted sources recommend. Before pulling out your credit card, make sure you've researched the software and the vendor who makes it.