What Is XcodeSpy
XcodeSpy is the name of a Trojan horse for Mac. This virus is particularly dangerous for Macintosh devices, because seeing it on your computer likely means that you could eventually end up losing your information or having it stolen by hackers. And this information may include you saved passwords, credit card details and other types of vital data. This is the main reason to consider removing XcodeSpy from your Mac as soon as you can.
XcodeSpy Summary
| Name | XcodeSpy |
| Type | Mac Trojan / Spyware |
| Short Description | May silently enter your Mac and infect it to spy on everything you do and likely steal information. |
| Symptoms | XcodeSpy may run processes in Activity Monitor of macOS that may be hidden and hard to detect. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by XcodeSpy
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss XcodeSpy. |
XcodeSpy Mac – What Does It Do
XcodeSpy is malware for Apple devices. Other Mac viruses, similar to it we have seen include Silver Sparrow, AdStealer and others. Having these malware on your computer may result in it slowing down in terms of performance and may be risky for your critical information.
But how did you end u getting infected with XcodeSpy? One way could be via corrupted and virus-infested apps that may be downloaded on your Mac or iPhone and another type of file that may be sent to you via e-mail. If sent by e-mail, these files often pretend to be e-mail attachments, that may seem like invoices, documents from banks, flight tickers, etc. Once victims download and authorize the files, infection with viruses, like XcodeSpy is immediate.
To infect your computer, XcodeSpy may pretend to be legitimate and ask you to give it permissions over your Mac. The main idea is for this malware to start silently when you turn your Mac on and do the following activities:
- Steal files.
- Download files on your Mac and run them without your permission.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Delete files.
- Take screenshots.
- Record audio.
- Record video from your camera.
- Log the keystrokes you type.
- Disable your internet connection, Bluetooth and other connectivity modules.
But this is not the only danger to have this malware installed. It may also download other viruses on your Mac or lead you to different risky websites, like:
- Virus pages or domains.
- Phishing.
- Scams.
- Fake Tech Support
- Survey frauds.
This is why it is imperative that you remove this nasty threat as soon as you know it is in your Mac.
Remove XcodeSpy from Your Device
XcodeSpy is the type of Trojan that may prove tricky to delete. This is why we suggest that you follow the removal guides that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea to help you delete this threat from your Mac entirely. For the best removal, we strongly advise to follow what experts recommend and run a scan of your Mac using an advanced anti-malware software for macOS. Such a professional program has been created to detect and eliminate all viruses from your Mac and stop such in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove XcodeSpy files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as XcodeSpy, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall XcodeSpy and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to XcodeSpy:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to XcodeSpy. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to XcodeSpy. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove XcodeSpy via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as XcodeSpy. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove XcodeSpy – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
XcodeSpy-FAQ
What is XcodeSpy on your Mac?
The XcodeSpy threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like XcodeSpy?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from XcodeSpy?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the XcodeSpy Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this XcodeSpy how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on XcodeSpy?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the XcodeSpy threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.