VIDEO: How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (Part 1)
Spyware could cause serious damage if it's not caught early. Learn how to catch it early using Terminal.
Spyware doesn’t need to look obvious to do real damage. On macOS, it can quietly run in the background, hiding as a harmless-looking system process while logging your keystrokes, tracking your browsing, or even accessing your mic and camera without your knowledge.
This type of malicious software is designed to stay out of sight. It blends in with normal system activity, making it hard to spot through standard tools like Activity Monitor. But the Terminal gives you a more direct view, showing every active process, network connection, and hidden file running on your system.
In the part 1 of this guide, learn how to detect potential spyware by scanning for suspicious running processes using Terminal.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (Checking for Suspicious Running Processes)
Step 1: Open Terminal, go to Launchpad > Terminal
Step 2: Type ps aux and press Enter. This command lists all processes running on your system. What to look for in this command list:
- Unfamiliar names: Are there any process names you don't recognise?
- High CPU/Memory usage: Processes consuming a lot of resources when you're not actively doing anything strenuous might be suspicious.
- User Column: Check the user associated with the process. If a process that should be system-level is running under your user account, or vice-versa, it could be a flag.
- Location: The last column often shows the path to the executable. Look for processes running from unusual directories (e.g., not
/Applications,/System,/usr/bin, etc.)
Step 3: Type top and press Enter. This gives you a dynamic, real-time view of processes, ordered by CPU usage. What to look for in this command list:
Similar to ps aux, look for processes with unfamiliar names or those consistently consuming high CPU/memory
Step 4: To exit top: Press Q
Video Script & Editing: Kelechi Edeh / Techloy.com | Content Research: Ogbonda Chivumnovu / Techloy.com
Conclusion
Spyware on macOS often hides in plain sight, disguised as ordinary processes that escape notice in everyday use. But with Terminal, you gain a deeper layer of visibility, one that helps you spot the subtle signs of malicious activity.
While these commands won’t remove spyware, they offer a solid first step in identifying it. If you do find something suspicious, it’s best to follow up with a reputable malware scanner or consult a security professional. Awareness is your first line of defence, and Terminal puts that power in your hands.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
