VIDEO: How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (Part 3)

Most people think of the macOS terminal as a place for power users and developers, a minimalist, slightly intimidating window where cryptic commands do mysterious things. But in the right hands, it’s also a truth serum for your Mac, exposing spyware that may have stealthily slipped into your system.

By examining login items and launch daemons/agents, these are apps set to start automatically and background processes that run without you opening them, you can uncover programs that shouldn’t be there, hiding among the legitimate ones. It’s a bit like flipping over a stone in your garden; suddenly, you see exactly what’s been crawling around underneath.

In the part 3 of this guide, learn how to detect potential spyware by scanning for suspicious running processes using Terminal to examine login items and launch Daemons/Agents.

VIDEO: How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (By Inspecting Network Connections)

When your Mac starts acting like it’s keeping secrets, it might be time to dig deeper. Here’s how to use Terminal to uncover suspicious network activity.

TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu

How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (By Examining Login Items and Launch Daemons/Agents)

Step 1: Open Terminal, go to Launchpad > Terminal

Step 2: Type ls -la ~/Library/LaunchAgents /Library/LaunchAgents /Library/LaunchDaemons /System/Library/LaunchAgents /System/Library/LaunchDaemons. Press Enter. This command lists all Launch Agents and Launch Daemons. What to look for:

• Files with strange names (e.g., com.randomletters.plist).
• Recently modified files you don’t know about.

Step 3: Type launchctl list. Press Enter. This command shows all active background jobs. What to look for:

• Names you don’t recognise or that match suspicious files from Step 2.

Conclusion

Keeping an eye on your login items and background processes is one of the easiest ways to spot trouble early. By using Terminal to see exactly what starts up with your Mac, you’re taking control of your system’s security and reducing the chances of spyware lurking unnoticed. A quick scan now and then can help you stay ahead of potential threats and keep your Mac running clean.

VIDEO: How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal

Spyware could cause serious damage if it’s not caught early. Learn how to catch it early using Terminal.

TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu