James W asked:
I recently downloaded a file from rapidshare. Before I opened it I checked using ClamXAV and it checked everything in the file and it came up clean. Then I used it to check where the file was sent and it still came up completely clean.
I still had a bad feeling and I used MacScan to check every file in my computer for spyware and it came up completely clean.
I haven’t had any signs of spyware but I still don’t like rapidshare because of the lack of security, but I had to download it.
So since both of those tests came up completely clean should I still think I have a spyware? Would I know if I had a spyware? Help please
The thing about Rapidshare is that there ARE a lot of infected and infested files from there. Even though you ran checks it is no guarantee that the file is clean. If you have concerns then listen to them and don’t use the file.
You take a chance using P2P file sharing and that’s all there is to it. Scanning a file does not mean it’s not infected, just means it does not have any malware that your scanner can identify. A couple of things I don’t understand. You say you had to download it. Why would you have to download it? Should you think you have spyware? Why, not every file is infected, it’s just there is that chance. It sounds to me like you did everything you could to make sure the file is clean. So now it’s up to you if you want to take the chance. No one can tell you if the program is clean or not. Since you don’t say what you downloaded, I can’t check to see if it’s one of the know infected programs out there for a Mac.
ClamXAV isn’t that really that reliable to begin with but MacScan usually is. So chances are you don’t have anything on your system. But just in case you want to be sure, you might want to check this out:
Go to
Also, i suggest shifting to SOPHOS or Intego Antivirus. ClamXAV really has a pretty low detection rate…
Hope this helps.