Piriform controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile5 entries
2020
Microsoft Defender potentially unwanted application classification
Microsoft Defender flagged the free CCleaner installer because it bundled third-party applications. Microsoft said such bundling could create unexpected activity and negatively affect users. Piriform subsequently made third-party installation optional.
2019
Attempted second compromise of CCleaner releases
Avast disclosed that attackers had tried to insert malware into CCleaner releases. The attempt was unsuccessful, but it heightened attention on the security of the product's build and release infrastructure.
2018
Active Monitoring and telemetry criticism
CCleaner 5.45 contained an error that caused Active Monitoring to turn itself back on. Piriform stated that the component did not report the information claimed by critics, renamed it Smart Cleaning, and revised data-collection controls and disclosures.
2018
Bundled antivirus software criticism
Reports criticized CCleaner installation flows that offered or installed Avast Antivirus without sufficiently clear user consent. Piriform disputed the characterization and later adjusted installer behavior.
2017
Floxif malware in CCleaner distribution
A compromised CCleaner 5.33 distribution included the Floxif trojan and could create a backdoor on affected systems. The incident was notable because malicious code entered a trusted software distribution channel and reached a very large installed base. Piriform released clean versions of the affected products.