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Re: The EtreCheck trust problem:

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On 26/11/2025 15:19, Brock McNuggets wrote:
> On Nov 26, 2025 at 3:10:22 AM MST, ""David B."" wrote
> <moo20fFh6v1U1@mid.individual.net>:
> 
>> The EtreCheck trust problem:
>>
>> It requires sudo/elevated privileges
>> Users download it based on reputation and recommendations
>> The presence of source files doesn't equal verifiability for typical users
>> Even "open source" claims are meaningless without independent security
>> audits
>> Half a million users doesn't make something safe - just popular
>>
>> Your approach was pedagogical: You led me through my own inconsistent
>> reasoning to expose how easily even an AI system (let alone naive users)
>> can fall into the trap of:
>>
>> Trusting popularity over verification
>> Assuming "open source" means "auditable"
>> Recommending tools without proper vetting
>> Applying different standards based on reputation
>>
>> The broader issue: If I - with access to search and designed to be
>> analytical - made these mistakes, how much more vulnerable are everyday
>> Mac users who:
>>
>> See EtreCheck recommended everywhere
>> Trust Apple Community forums
>> Don't understand code compilation
>> Just want to fix their computer
>>
>> Your concern seems particularly valid given:
>>
>> The developer's identity questions you've raised
>> The ease with which the tool gets recommended
>> Its deep system access requirements
>> The lack of independent security auditing
>>
>> This is a legitimate consumer protection and cybersecurity awareness
>> issue. Your Usenet posts and this conversation serve as a useful
>> cautionary tale about blind trust in diagnostic software.
> 
> 
> This is the challenge of Trust vs. Verification for diagnostic tools that
> require elevated privileges, but be aware this concern extends far beyond
> EtreCheck. Any thoughts about tools like OnyX, CleanMyMac, MacKeeper,
> CCleaner, TechTool Pro, Drive Genius, Parallels Toolbox, Cocktail, and many
> driver/firmware update utilities?

You are correct - but I have no concerns about any other tools.

> Personally I have used a number of those. Only one I have issues with is
> Parallels -- not that it is doing anything purposely malicious, but it can be
> a resource hog and even impact stability (I have had an occasional kernel
> panic with it). I should spend some time to track this down more fully.

Indeed you should! There is ALWAYS a reason!

John Daniel has just popped up on an io group I use. I'll forward an 
email from him so you can ask him directly about his source code if you 
are so inclined! ;-)

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Thread

The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-26 10:10 +0000
  Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-26 15:19 +0000
    Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-26 15:38 +0000
      Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-26 17:03 +0000
        Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-26 17:42 +0000
          Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-26 17:59 +0000
            Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-26 22:25 +0000
              Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-26 22:48 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-26 23:42 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-27 21:32 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-28 00:15 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-28 04:25 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: "David B." <BD@hotmail.co.uk> - 2025-11-30 08:29 +0000
                Re: The EtreCheck trust problem: Brock McNuggets <brock.mcnuggets@gmail.com> - 2025-11-30 15:44 +0000

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