your system is a very sensitive place for your privacy.

For this reason, a compromised Mac is a considerable digital and physical security risk.

There are various ways hackers or malicious people can steal information from your Mac.

Man wearing a blue shirt using a telescope

But few are as effective as spyware and keyloggers.

But before that, let’s look at some signs you should look out for.

What Are the Signs Someone Is Spying on Your Mac?

Activity Monitor Network tab on macOS

The second half is sending real-time data to whoever is trying to steal your information.

Most times, your gear needs to use the internet to do this.

you’ve got the option to catch software using your internet by openingActivity Monitorwith a Spotlight search.

Camera permissions screenshot in System Settings (Ventura)

From there, clickNetworkand toggle sorting bySent Bytes.

Here, you should see if any unsolicited apps are using your web connection.

If someone is watching you, they’ll need demanding software.

Microphone yellow dot in Control Center

Consequently, you may also experience perpetual lag.

Since your CPU, memory, and GPU could be overworked, your processors could overheat and cause lag.

And this program can be malicious.

Users list in Terminal

Also, some malicious software can control your Mac and cause it to act strange.

Yes, we know it sounds scary, but a webcam is an important part of most modern computers.

Unfortunately, it can also be a tool for hackers to spy on you.

Firewall settings in System Settings Network page

As tempting as it sounds,don’t cover your camerabecause this can possibly damage your screen.

Instead, you should check your privacy configs and ensure that no suspicious software has been granted access.

What’s more, these permissions also have signs for when something is actively using them.

Don’t be worried if you see a long list of users.

However, anything else that isn’t authorized is a cause for alarm.

How to Stop Spyware on Your Mac

The best way to stop spyware is to prevent it.

Avoid takingsteps that will get your system infectedin the first place.

But should some slip through the cracks, here are some things we suggest you do.

Download and Install Security Software

Everyone should have an antivirus installed.

Antivirus software can protect your Mac in real-time and scan your entire system for malware.

When it finds something suspicious, it quarantines the process or the app and prompts you to delete it.

If you find apps you don’t remember installing or odd new apps, you should delete them.

you’re free to also check to see if any suspicious apps boot on startup.

LaunchSystem Settingsand go toGeneral.

ClickLogin Itemsand look through to see if there’s anything you don’t want there.

There are various ways to delete apps, some more effective than others.

For more details, we’ve listed the multipleways to delete apps on a Mac.

There are different kinds of firewalls, from built-in ones to third-party apps.

This is why we highly recommend you approach your Mac’s security with proactivity and prevention.