What is Maccleaner.pkg? Should I remove it?

Maccleaner.pkg is the malicious installer related to numerous fake Mac optimization tools

Maccleaner.pkg is the fraudulent file that aims to install system tools and other files related to shady applications, so make sure you avoid it. This installation file is used to spread applications that have been categorized as potentially unwanted programs and fake system tools, like Mac Auto Fixer, Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Adware Cleaner, MacBooster, MacKeeper. Any programs related to Maccleaner.pkg virus are known to be useless and their main aim is far from improving the performance of your machine. All those PUAs are not recommended to use, especially when developers are asking you to pay for the licensed version.

Maccleaner.pkg is typically offered as an easy way to fix the system from malware and spyware. Fortunately, the file is already detected by AV tools^[1] However, you can also find it running in your system's background.^[2] In this case, you are dealing with the bundled software that you should remove without wasting your time.

In most cases, Maccleaner.pkg promotes programs that display predetermined results of the system scan. However, this activity is not even performed on the machine, and all those errors, viruses are not existing on your device. Finally, your machine is not infected with malware, although the shady tool claims it is. 

Maccleaner.pkg Mac virus is the only malware luring on the machine, so you don't need to pay those $20-$50 for the full program that also does nothing. Such applications should never be trusted because installation of the fake system tool can only affect the machine, but not improve. These applications designed to modify startup preferences and other parts of the system that can be more damaging than you think, so experts^[3] recommend staying away from such tools.

Those alterations in significant parts of the system are the reason that manual Maccleaner.pkg removal is not recommended. If you try to delete particular files or registry entries, you can permanently corrupt applications or system functions, so rely on automatic anti-malware tools and don't try to find this shady file yourself.

You need to remove Maccleaner.pkg completely from the system because this is one of those core files that when left on the computer, affects the persistence of the fake Mac tool. These applications are set to run fake antivirus scans and deliver certain results about malware to promote particular Mac cleaner or optimizer app. 

Maccleaner.pkg file can be distributed via other fake updaters or installers and even disguised on deceptive pages that promote these shady tools. Those websites can track information valuable for the advertiser and third-party programs too, so remember that slowness of the device and unwanted pop-ups can hide more than intrusive PUP.

Those scam pages can also display notifications that look like real alerts from Appple or your system, but lead to scams or social engineering campaigns. Maccleaner.pkg is related to ad-supported pages, so your data like IP addresses, most visited pages, browsing history and other details like that can end up in wrong hands of scammers.

Shady installers can come pre-bundled with deceptive freeware 

Third-party updaters and installers that deliver malicious PUPs and files show up out of nowhere and can be disguised as installation files in the Flash Player or other common software installation. You cannot notice this fact until you install a different tool than intended. You can also install the shady file while downloading one fo those associated tools on purpose from deceptive promotional ads. People often get tricked into adding these applications when advertisements look legitimate and useful. 

Programs and files distributed through such deceptive pages and other questionable techniques shouldn't be trusted, so you need to learn about the possibility to avoid PUP infiltrations:

• always choose trustworthy sources for programs and updates, especially when installing crucial programs and OS;
• select Advanced or Custom installation options to see all the included files and applications;
• keep anti-malware tools and run a system check from time to time.

Find all the associated programs and files to get rid of Maccleaner.pkg virus

All those system tools that claim about malware and other system errors are designed to reinstall themselves, so your machine keeps on running slow. You need a thorough Maccleaner.pkg removal to end that renewal process of these shady system applications. 

Get professional tools designed to find malicious files, programs, and shady applications and remove Maccleaner.pkg with all the tools and apps. Install FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and run a full system check, then you can decide how and what to eliminate from the computer.