Member Avatar for Jessica_24

Hi. I'm concerned an ex has installed spy software on my computer (and maybe iPhone, but that's for another thread). I've spent days reading about it and I'm not really any closer to figuring out if this is the case, and if so how to uninstall it.

Any help would be much appreciated!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

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Short, practical triage and next steps for a Mac that might be running covert monitoring—building on ’s report and ’s point about being prepared to reset devices.

Start with low-risk checks that reveal common persistence and remote-access methods: look for unknown configuration profiles (MDM), and review Sharing/Remote Management or Screen Sharing settings; both can grant remote control. Use Activity Monitor to spot unusual CPU/network activity and inspect Users & Groups → Login Items for surprises. (support.apple.com)

Preserve evidence before making major changes: disconnect the Mac from networks, make a full offline backup (an external drive not left attached), and—using a different, trusted device—change Apple ID and other important passwords and enable two‑factor authentication. Review the Apple ID “Devices” list and remove anything unknown; Apple documents these account/device checks and a Safety Checklist for when personal safety is a concern. Also run a dedicated macOS anti‑malware scan (for example, Malwarebytes for Mac) to catch known adware/stalkerware. (support.apple.com)

If deeper inspection is wanted, check persistence locations (~/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchDaemons), and consider objective‑see tools (KnockKnock, BlockBlock, LuLu) or similar forensic tools to find unsigned or hidden launch items—document anything suspicious rather than immediately deleting it. If the situation involves stalking or intimate‑partner abuse, removal actions can sometimes alert the abuser; handling should prioritize safety and evidence preservation. (objective-see.org)

When a clean start is needed, erasing the drive and reinstalling macOS (or using Erase All Content and Settings on supported Macs) removes most consumer spyware; after reinstall, restore only from known-good backups, rotate all passwords from a safe device, and reconnect. For suspected stalkerware or safety risks, consult the Coalition Against Stalkerware / StopStalkerware resources and EFF’s Surveillance Self‑Defense and seek local victim‑support or law‑enforcement help. (support.apple.com)

If forensic certainty or criminal evidence is needed, engage a professional examiner—this preserves logs, avoids accidental data loss, and supports any legal action.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

This sort of plea is not unusual. That is I read it across forums so I take it you either posted widely and didn't like the answer or just didn't find them.

Anyhow, you can not be a passive user of this technology today. You must be able to get your stuff on backups (more than one, because stuff fails) and then if you suspect an intruder be ready to factory reset anything suspect.

Almost all spy software will not survive that.

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