How to know if your Mac has been hacked

Many Mac users believe that their computers are safe, from the malware and viruses commonly found on Windows PCs. While there is some truth to this belief it’s important not to become too complacent about Mac security. Criminals have ways to exploit vulnerabilities in Mac systems potentially leading to data theft or other serious breaches.

In this article, we explore whether Macs can be hacked, how to detect if your Mac has been compromised or is being monitored, and what steps to take if your Mac is being accessed remotely. Here’s what you need to know—and what actions to take.

Can Macs get hacked?

It’s a common misconception that Macs cannot be hacked, but this is not entirely accurate. While Macs are targeted less frequently than Windows PCs, they are still vulnerable to attacks. Hackers have successfully exploited Macs through various methods, such as fake programs and security vulnerabilities. Therefore, Macs are not immune to malware threats.

One reason Windows PCs are targeted more often than Macs is their larger market share. As of 2022, Windows held a 76% share of the global desktop operating systems market, compared to around 15% for macOS. Cybercriminals are typically motivated by financial gain, so they focus their efforts where the potential for profit is highest. This makes Windows users a more attractive target, but it does not mean Mac users are completely safe.

To address these risks, Apple has implemented several security features to protect Macs:

• Gatekeeper: Ensures that only software from trusted sources can run on your Mac. When you try to install or run software from outside the App Store, Gatekeeper will verify it and prompt you to proceed.
• Secure Enclave: Found in the M1 and M2 series chips, as well as the T1 and T2 chips, providing encryption and secure boot capabilities.
• XProtect: Apple’s built-in antivirus system that aims to detect and block malware.

These security measures create strong defenses against hackers. However, vulnerabilities—known as back doors or zero-day vulnerabilities—can still be discovered and exploited. When these are identified by security researchers or white-hat hackers, they usually report them to Apple so the company can issue a patch before the vulnerabilities are widely exploited.

Despite Apple’s generally quick response to such issues, there have been occasions where the company has been criticized for delays in addressing vulnerabilities, leaving users at risk until fixes are implemented.

How common is it for Macs to be hacked?

Although hacking of MacBooks is relatively uncommon, there have been notable instances of successful attacks. High-profile cases include:

• 2022: Apple urged users to update their MacBooks (as well as iPhones and iPads) urgently to address two security vulnerabilities that allowed attackers to gain full control of the devices. Apple had credible reports that hackers were exploiting these vulnerabilities. One weakness impacted the kernel, the core layer of the operating system, while the other affected WebKit, the technology behind the Safari browser.
• 2021: Ryan Pickren, a student, discovered a serious vulnerability related to MacBooks that could allow hackers to control a user’s camera. Pickren reported the issue to Apple, which resolved it in macOS Monterey 12.0.1 and awarded him $100,000 for his discovery.
• 2019: Filippo Cavallarin, a cybersecurity researcher, found a vulnerability in Gatekeeper and notified Apple. If left unaddressed, this flaw could have allowed malware to bypass Gatekeeper’s security. When Apple did not resolve the issue within 90 days, Cavallarin publicly disclosed the details.
• 2018: News emerged about the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities, which exploited weaknesses in Intel and ARM processors. Apple confirmed that all Mac systems and iOS devices were affected, though no known exploits impacted users. The company mitigated the risk by updating its operating system to close the exposed vulnerabilities.

Types of MacBook hacking

Examples of MacBook hacking include:

• Cryptojacking: This involves using your Mac’s processor and RAM to mine cryptocurrency, which can significantly slow down your MacBook’s performance.
• Ransomware: Ransomware restricts access to your programs or files until a payment is made. For instance, KeRanger encrypted files on Macs and demanded payment to decrypt them. Fortunately, cybersecurity researchers identified KeRanger before it could become a major threat.
• Spyware: Hackers use spyware to collect sensitive information, such as login credentials. They may deploy key loggers to record your keystrokes, enabling them to access your accounts. An example is the OSX/OpinionSpy spyware, which stole data from infected Macs and sold it on the dark web.
• Botnet: A botnet turns your computer into a remotely controlled spam machine. The Trojan horse botnet OSX.FlashBack, for example, infected over 600,000 Mac computers.
• Proof-of-concept: These are theoretical threats based on vulnerabilities or loopholes in Apple’s code. Google’s Project Zero team created a proof-of-concept called Buggy Cow, which accessed parts of macOS due to a bug in its memory manager. Although proof-of-concept threats are less immediate, they can become real risks if Apple does not promptly address the vulnerabilities.
• Port Exploits: Hacks can occur through physical ports like USB and Thunderbolt, rather than through downloaded malware. For example, the 2019 Checkm8 exploit could have allowed hackers to access the T2 chip via a modified USB-C cable. Similarly, the 2020 Thunderspy attack exploited a vulnerability in the Thunderbolt port to potentially access a Mac.
• Rootkits: Rootkits enable hackers to gain undetected access to a device.

How to know if your Mac is hacked

Signs that your MacBook may have been hacked include:

• Slow Performance: If your Mac is running slower than usual, it could be due to malware or unauthorized use of your machine for cryptocurrency mining or DDoS attacks.
• Loud Fan: A fan that’s louder than normal might indicate malware causing your system to overheat, putting extra strain on your hardware.
• Unfamiliar Toolbars or Add-ons: New or unexpected toolbars and browser add-ons could signal that your Mac has been hijacked, potentially redirecting you to malicious third-party sites.
• Increased Pop-ups: A surge in pop-up ads may be a sign of adware. While not the most dangerous type of malware, adware generates revenue through ad clicks.
• Changed Homepage: If your homepage has changed without your permission, it may indicate a system hijacking aimed at directing you to harmful websites.
• Redirected Searches: Being redirected to different search engines could also point to system hijacking, which might be used to guide you to dangerous sites where your data could be stolen or further damage could occur.
• Inaccessible Personal Files: Difficulty accessing personal files might be due to ransomware or a Trojan horse. If you receive a ransom note or warning, it’s likely ransomware, which is used for extortion.
• Spam Sent from Your Accounts: If your contacts report receiving spam from you via email or social media, your Mac might be infected with malware that spreads itself or other malicious programs.
• Password Problems: If your passwords or security questions have changed, it could indicate that your Mac has been compromised.
• Freezing or Crashing: Frequent freezing or crashing can be caused by malware or viruses stressing your operating system.
• Unexpected Security Alerts: Receiving security alerts without scanning your Mac might suggest scareware—a type of malware that pressures you into installing additional malicious software.
• Unusual Webcam Behavior: If you notice video or audio files you didn’t create, or if the webcam light is on when you didn’t activate it, this could indicate that your webcam has been hacked.

Can a Mac camera be hacked?

If you’re concerned about whether your Mac camera can be hacked, the answer is yes. A notable incident occurred in 2020 when a cybersecurity researcher discovered a macOS vulnerability that allowed scammers to access a victim’s webcam through a single malicious link. Although this specific vulnerability has been patched, new and equally dangerous vulnerabilities could potentially be discovered by cybercriminals. Signs that your Mac camera may have been hacked include:

• Unexpected Webcam Indicator Light: If the webcam indicator light turns on or flickers on its own, it could indicate that your camera is being accessed without your knowledge. While this might be due to a software or hardware issue, it’s also a potential sign of hacking.
• Suspicious Videos and Pictures: Finding videos or pictures in your webcam folder that you didn’t create could suggest your camera has been compromised. Check for such media in the Photo Booth Library:
  1. Open Finder and select “Go” from the menu.
  2. Click “Go to Folder” and enter: ~/Pictures/Photo Booth Library/Pictures.
  3. Open the “Photos Library” folder and look for unfamiliar photos or videos. Keep in mind that cybercriminals might store media in random folders, so not finding suspicious files here doesn’t guarantee your device is safe.
• Sudden Spikes in Network Traffic: A sudden increase in network traffic could indicate that someone is transmitting your webcam feed over the internet. To check your network traffic:
  1. Go to the Applications folder and click “Utilities.”
  2. Open Activity Monitor and select the “Network” tab.
  3. Look for any unusual network activity or high usage.
• Extortion Note: After accessing your Mac’s camera, hackers might send you an extortion note via email or leave one on your device, demanding payment to avoid releasing recorded photos and videos. Before paying any ransom, consider whether your camera is actually hacked. Take a moment to assess the situation, as cybercriminals often use such tactics to trick victims into paying even if their camera has not been compromised.

Can your iCloud be hacked?

As an Apple user, you likely use iCloud to back up your important files. Although iCloud is considered highly secure, individual accounts are not immune to hacking. Ultimately, if someone can figure out your password, they can gain access to your iCloud. Here are some methods hackers might use to obtain it:

• Phishing Attacks: Hackers may create fake websites that look like iCloud.com to trick users into revealing their login details.
• Malicious Apps: While Apple carefully monitors the App Store for malware, some infected apps may slip through. These apps can be used to steal your password.
• Compromised Computers: Using your iCloud account on non-Apple devices can expose you to risk. Malware is less common on Apple devices but more prevalent on devices running Windows.
• Keyloggers and Remote Access Trojans: These tools can capture your iCloud password when you log in.
• Unencrypted Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: Connecting to public Wi-Fi without encryption can be risky. Hackers might intercept your password through man-in-the-middle attacks or hijack your session by stealing the cookie that keeps you logged into your iCloud account.
• Using the Same Login Details for Multiple Accounts: If one site with shared credentials experiences a data breach, your iCloud login details could be exposed. Hackers can also use software to repeatedly attempt to crack both iCloud passwords and security questions.

How to tell if your iCloud has been hacked

Depending on the hacker’s objective, your iCloud account could be accessed without your knowledge. However, there are several signs that may indicate a breach:

• You receive an email from Apple notifying you that someone has logged into your account from an unknown device or that your password has been changed.
• Your password no longer works.
• Your account details have been altered.
• Unrecognized purchases appear on iTunes or the App Store.
• Your Apple device is locked or has been put into Lost Mode.

If you suspect your iCloud account may have been hacked, you should:

• Attempt to sign into your iCloud account. If you cannot access it, try resetting your password or unlocking your account using security questions.
• If you are able to log in, change your password immediately and ensure it is strong.
• If you have a credit card linked to your iCloud account, block it promptly to prevent unauthorized charges.
• Review your account information and update any changes. Check your security questions to ensure they are not easily guessable.
• Investigate whether the breach originated from the associated email account. Check that email account for any signs of compromise and change its password if necessary.
• Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already.

Given the large number of iCloud users, it’s understandable that it is a target for hackers seeking to steal valuable information for financial gain.

How to protect your Mac from hackers

To minimize the risk of your MacBook being hacked, consider these tips:

• Connect Your Mac to a Router Instead of a Broadband Modem: Directly connecting your Mac to a broadband modem assigns it a public IP address, making it vulnerable to external scans. Using a router is safer because it employs network address translation, assigning a private IP address that can only be accessed within your home network.
• Use Encryption to Protect Your Wireless Network: Encryption disguises your wireless data as random junk that can only be decoded with the selected ASCII key. WPA2 encryption requires substantial effort and resources to crack, making it a strong defense against unauthorized access.
• Set Your Mac to Automatically Download System Updates:
  1. Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
  2. In the “System Preferences” window, click the App Store panel.
  3. Check the boxes for “Automatically Check for Updates” and “Download Newly Available Updates in the Background.”
  4. Also, check “Install OS X Updates” to ensure updates are installed automatically, keeping your system up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Enable Your Mac’s Built-in Software Firewall:
  1. Open “System Preferences” and click on “Security & Privacy.”
  2. Select the “Firewall” tab and click “Turn On Firewall.”
  3. Click “Firewall Options” to customize which programs and services are allowed through the firewall.
• Use a Limited User Account Instead of an Administrator Account: A limited user account prevents software from installing automatically, requiring the administrator password for software installations.
• Practice Cyber Hygiene: Avoid clicking on links in emails, read trusted reviews before downloading unfamiliar software, and type URLs directly into your browser or use bookmarks when accessing sites requiring sensitive information. Look for secure indicators like HTTPS in the URL.
• Use High-Quality Antivirus Software: A reliable, up-to-date antivirus program will safeguard your browsing, payments, chats, and data, and check each website you visit to protect against threats like phishing attacks.

FAQ’s

Can Macs be hacked?

Yes, Macs can be hacked. While they’re less frequently targeted than Windows PCs, they aren’t immune to attacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities through fake programs, security flaws, and other methods. Apple’s security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect provide strong defenses, but no system is entirely secure from potential threats.

How common is it for Macs to be hacked?

MacBook hacks are relatively rare, but they do occur. High-profile incidents include Apple’s 2022 update to address critical vulnerabilities and a 2021 discovery of a vulnerability allowing unauthorized camera access. Though hacking is less common on Macs, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep your system updated.

Conclusion

Although Macs are generally safer from malware and hacking than other systems, they are not immune. Staying vigilant by using strong passwords, enabling encryption, and keeping your system updated can help protect your Mac. Regularly monitor for signs of breaches and act quickly if you suspect any issues. Being proactive is key to keeping your data secure.