VIDEO: How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (Part 4)

Every file on your Mac leaves a trail, when it was created, when it was last touched, and where it sits in the system. Spyware doesn’t magically erase those footprints. Instead, it often tries to slip under the radar by hiding files in obscure corners or silently modifying existing ones so they look harmless.

The trick is knowing where to look. With a few Terminal commands, you can dig beneath macOS’s polished surface, uncover files that don’t belong, and spot the subtle changes that reveal something is wrong.

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.

TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu

How to Detect Spyware on macOS Using Terminal (By Looking for Hidden or Modified Files)

Step 1: Open Terminal, go to Launchpad → Terminal (or press ⌘+Space, type “Terminal”, hit Return).

Step 2: Type

find ~ -flags +hidden -print 2>/dev/null

Press

enter

This command shows items in your Home folder that macOS itself marks as hidden (not just dotfiles).

What to look out for: Unknown app folders, oddly named files in strange places (e.g., ~/Library/Application Support/…/random).

Step 3: Type

find ~/Desktop ~/Documents ~/Downloads -type f -name ".*" -print

Press

enter

This command lists dotfiles (names starting with a dot) in places they don’t belong.

What to look out for: Executables or scripts hiding .something in Downloads or Desktop.

Step 4: Type

find ~/Library -type f -mtime -3 -print 2>/dev/null

Press

enter

This command shows what changed recently in your Library in the last 72 hours.

What to look out for: New or edited items inside:

• ~/Library/Application Support/ (mystery subfolders)
• ~/Library/Preferences/ (new .plist you don’t recognize)
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ (anything unfamiliar)

Tip: Change -mtime -3 to -7 for a one-week view.

Step 5: Type

find /Library/Application\ Support /Library/LaunchAgents /Library/LaunchDaemons -type f -mtime -3 -print 2>/dev/null

Press

enter

This command shows recently changed files in common persistence spots.

What to look out for: Randomly named .plist files (e.g., com.ab12xy.helper.plist), misspelled vendor names, or brand-new folders you didn’t install.

Step 6: Type

ls -lt ~/Downloads | head -n 30

Press

enter

This command shows the 30 most recently modified items.

What to look out for: Files you didn’t open but that show very recent modified times.

Step 7: Type

ls -lO ~/Library/Application\ Support | head -n 50

Press

enter

This command shows the file flags (e.g., hidden, uchg for “immutable”) in suspect folders.

What to look out for: Unexpected hidden or uchg on unknown files/folders.

How to interpret what you find

• Weird names: gibberish, misspellings of known brands, or overly generic labels like helper, agent, update with no clear app.
• Odd locations: hidden files in Downloads/Desktop, or new folders buried under Application Support with no app you recognize.
• Recent bursts: many files modified together without you doing anything.

If something looks off: search the exact filename and (if available) the bundle identifier; keep notes. Don’t delete system files. If you confirm suspicion, consider a reputable scanner or a professional cleanup.

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

Use simple Terminal checks to uncover hidden apps and processes on your Mac.

TechloyOgbonda Chivumnovu

Conclusion

In the end, the real trick to uncovering spyware on macOS is knowing where to look. Hidden or modified files often act as the first red flags that something isn’t right.

By regularly scanning your system through Terminal, you’re pulling back the curtain on what your Mac doesn’t usually show you. It’s a simple habit that can make all the difference in catching spyware before it has the chance to do damage.