How to tell if your Mac is hacked

Why does my Mac need protection?

Despite popular misconceptions, Macs are not immune to security threats. Hackers have increasingly targeted Mac users, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to personal information, sensitive data, or even control over the device.

Common Myths about Mac

Myth #1: Macs are immune to viruses and malware

Mac is popularly known to have its own built-in security measures and more restricted OS environment, but it can still fall victim to malicious applications. It is also observed that the recent number of malware designs for Mac devices are part of targeted attacks from different Malware campaigns.

Myth #2: Hackers are not interested in Macs

Another misconception is that hackers primarily target Windows users. However, as Mac usage continues to grow, hackers have recognized the value of targeting Mac users.

Signs Your Mac is Hacked

Sign #1: Unusual Mac behavior

• Sluggish performance
  If your Mac suddenly becomes slow, unresponsive, or experiences a significant decrease in performance, it could be a sign of malware or unauthorized processes consuming system resources.
• Unexpected crashes
  Hacked systems may encounter instability such as frequent crashes, freezes, or sudden restarts that occur without any apparent reason may indicate a security compromise.
• Frequent pop-ups
  Unwanted pop-up windows, advertisements, or alerts that persistently appear, even when you're not browsing the internet or using specific applications, could be a sign of adware or potentially malicious software.

Sign #2: Suspicious network activities

• Unusual data transfers
  If you notice unexpected data uploads or downloads occurring in the background without your knowledge or consent, it could suggest that your Mac has been compromised.
• Unauthorized access to network resources
  Instances where your Mac gains access to shared network resources or attempts to connect to unfamiliar or unauthorized devices may indicate an external party attempting to exploit your system.
• Unexplained network traffic
  Unusually high or abnormal network traffic, particularly when your Mac is idle or not actively engaged in resource-intensive activities, could signify the presence of malware or a network-based attack.

Sign #3: Unauthorized account access

• Unrecognized user accounts
  If you notice unfamiliar user accounts listed on your Mac or additional accounts created without your knowledge, it may signal a security breach.
• Password changes without permission
  A sudden change of your account password without your authorization strongly suggests that an unauthorized person has gained access to your Mac.
• Unusual activities in account settings
  Any modifications to your account settings, such as email forwarding rules, automatic email replies, or changes to your security questions, that you didn't initiate, may point to a compromised system.

What to do if Your Mac is Hacked

Follow these tips to protect your Mac from security threats and keep your personal information safe. Security is an ongoing process, and it's important to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your devices and data.

Disconnect from the network

The first step is to isolate the compromised Mac from the Internet to prevent further unauthorized access.

• Unplug the network cable or disable Wi-Fi
  Disconnect your device from the Internet by unplugging the Ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi connection.

• Turn off Bluetooth
  If your Mac has Bluetooth capabilities, disable it to eliminate the possibility of remote attacks or unauthorized device connections.

By disconnecting from the network, you sever the potential communication channel for the hacker and limit their ability to control or extract data from your Mac.

Strengthen security measures

To fortify your Mac's security and reduce the likelihood of future hacks, consider implementing the following measures.

• Update your software
  Ensure your Mac device has regular security updates, and all installed apps are updated as well, as these helps address known vulnerabilities and improve overall system security.

• Use strong and unique passwords
  Change your passwords for all user accounts on your Mac, including your administrator account, using strong and unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
  Use a Password Manager like Trend Micro Password Manager to effectively enhance your online security. It generates and stores strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, so you do not have to remember them all. This can help to prevent password-related attacks, such as phishing and brute force attacks.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
  Enable 2FA for your Mac user accounts, especially for critical services like iCloud. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step, such as a unique code sent to your trusted device, when logging in.
• Review and adjust security settings
  Review your Mac's security settings, such as firewall configurations and privacy preferences, and ensure they are appropriately configured to enhance your system's protection.

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future hacks and strengthen your Mac's overall security posture.

Scan for malware and viruses

After disconnecting from the network, scan your Mac for malware and viruses to search and remove any malicious programs that may have been installed.

• Use reputable antivirus software
  Get real-time and advanced protection from online threats and other security issues in addition to Apple security updates. Install Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac so you can perform a full system scan.

• Scan your Mac regularly
  Regularly scanning your Mac with updated antivirus software can help detect and mitigate potential security risks.

Seek professional assistance

If you're unsure or require additional assistance in addressing the hack and securing your Mac, it's advisable to seek professional help. Consider the following options:

• Contact Apple Support
  Reach out to Apple Support for guidance and assistance in dealing with the hack. They can provide specific instructions tailored to your situation and help you address any lingering security concerns.

• Consult with cybersecurity experts
  If the hack is severe or you suspect it may have compromised sensitive information, consider consulting with cybersecurity professionals who specialize in Mac security.
  Talk to a Trend Micro Support Representative. Get immediate help and support for Trend Micro Home and Home Office Products. They can provide expert advice, conduct a thorough investigation, and recommend appropriate remediation steps.

See also

• How to tell if your iPhone is hacked
• How to tell if your Windows PC is hacked
• How to tell if your Android device is hacked