Does Etrecheck have the blessing/approval of Apple itself?

P.S. Regarding Apple verifying the app/program, no they have not. If they had, you would see an official article that would specifically notate it as one optional app a user may consider installing based on the issue or reasoning, or an Apple advisor could directly advise you to download it as part of the troubleshooting process. The only one I'm aware of that tech support can recommend per Apple is Malwarebytes

About Apple Developer and Bug Reporting:

https://developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/

This explains why the no-access page appears when you have no authorized

business with Apple Developer (register if qualified & sign-in to join) then see

that you also follow strict rules - if you do join. ~ Same with testing software,

in beta programs. This I had joined for a while years ago... Then I let it lapse.

Even so, there are areas of unrestricted access on Developer site to archives

of considerable value; a learning library exists for anyone who wants to use it.

In any event...

You wrote - My understanding is that simply by visiting a URL a computer can be infected with malware and the user remain completely unaware of this fact.Yes everything is possible in the internet world , the user must be alert , clicking on a link or hidden codes can install malware in Mac , even virus can be installed if the site developer has created in such a way , but its very rare .

See these links Safari Security preferences on Mac - Apple Support

Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer - Google Chrome Help

macOS Sierra: What is malware?

HunterBD wrote:

In this thread from 2014 https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6704451

Referring to EtreCheck, 'Linc Davis' said to me .....

"I haven't tested that program and I don't recommend it. In reports on this site, the "failed" warnings appear often. No one, including the developer, seems to know what they mean. I've seen no evidence that they mean anything at all. To do anything at all merely because of those warnings, in the absence of a functional problem, would be a waste of time. As I wrote, the results of posting "etrecheck" output can be very poor."

And ...... "I have no use for "etrecheck" output."

If you want any clarification regarding something that Linc Davis said in 2014, you are going to have to ask him. But he hasn't been active on these forums for about 2 years.

How can I be sure that connecting to the EtreCheck server and downloading the software will not, in and of itself, cause 'damage' to my computer or compromise my security?

...

I would very much like Apple itself to verify that the product is safe to use.

As others have said, that is not a service that Apple provides. If you feel that this is a service that Apple could, or should, offer, then you can submit Feedback or file a Bug Report.

Lacking any such Apple service, all you can do is consult online reviews and recommendations to see if a product is safe and legitimate. I am not going to make any attempts in this thread to demonstrate that EtreCheck is safe or legitimate. It seems like EtreCheck may be replacing ClamXAV as the object of your unwanted attention. I'm sure that would be good news for Mark Allan, but I would like you to find a different hobby. I made a sincere effort to explain some of the more confusing aspects of security software and to dissuade you from your strange anti-ClamXAV crusade. And the reward for my attempts to be helpful is that you now start an anti-EtreCheck crusade?

There is an old saying that goes something like "be careful what you ask for; you might get it." No one had any idea what your anti-ClamXAV agenda was about. Your anti-EtreCheck agenda seems more transparent. In all honesty, I would prefer that you don't use EtreCheck and avoid discussing it here in the forums, either positively or negatively. Otherwise, you might set something in motion that isn't what you would have wanted.

I suspect that 'LACAllen' also knew this only too well. It's OK, I can take a joke!

Nope. I posted it with positive intent. Even tested it, as is advocated by the terms of this community. Saw no issue.

It's OK, I can take a joke!

Why don't I believe this?

You seem very suspicious. There is a lot of innuendo and undertone in your participation here.

You clearly have some sort of agenda. That you wrap it in syrupy sweetness and "air quotes" does not hide it.

Has it been 'doctored' in some way?

It's pretty simple to see if a link has been "doctored."

See here how I show that the text of the link posted by LACAllen is exactly the link embedded:

You seem extremely concerned about internet security but you don't know how to drag a link in Safari to show you what the link actually points to? That allusion you create seems to be what is "doctored."

Further inquiry regarding "anti-virus and malware scanner" for macOS from Canimaan Software Ltd.

you may be directed to their site for clamXAV linked from their home page. ~ Don't expect the maker

to visit ASC, or answer to sketchy inquiries here. Please save yourself from regenerating any ill-will.😐

{With kindness & consideration ~ peace & understanding may prevail.}

Does it really matter how we answer that question? You have been trolling the forum for months asking the same thing. Is there an answer that we could provide that would make you stop your trolling?

Yes, it does help explain that you are nothing more than a forum troll. Does that help?

To the moderators, what exactly did I state that wasn't 100% true?

How can I be sure that connecting to the EtreCheck server and downloading the software will not, in and of itself, cause 'damage' to my computer or compromise my security?

Life is fraught with danger. Not sure one can ever get this assurance from this community.

I would very much like Apple itself to verify that the product is safe to use.

You seem to be familiar with how this community works. Apple will not provide such feedback here.

You can offer your concerns to them as follows.

Feedback for Apple goes here >>> http://apple.com/feedback