Step 1: Revoke camera, microphone and screen recording access
- System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Toggle off every app under Camera, Microphone, and Screen & System Audio Recording that is not actively in use
- You can re-enable them one at a time as you need them
Step 2: Uninstall any unfamiliar app that requested access
- Use the procedure in our Remove Unknown Apps from a Mac guide to fully uninstall it (including LaunchAgents)
- Restart your Mac
Step 3: Add a hardware backstop
- Use a physical webcam cover or sliding shutter when you are not on a call
- If you suspect persistent spying, run a Malwarebytes scan and consider changing the passwords for accounts you use on the Mac from a different device
Tags:
Mac Security
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers