Question

How can I find out if someone is hacking my Mac?

Asked by: emi79

I know that my email and face book is being hacked but I am not sure how to find out. Someone is pretending to be me and changed my profile picture in to a nude photo of me. So, I also know who this person is but I need to find out how he is doing it as we are no longer in contact. Can he be using a Key logger program? This is what my anti virus program detected, please help me with these codes: (I have removed one that had my name in it)

"/.hotfiles.btree"
"/.Spotlight-V100"
"/.Trashes"
"/Applications/.install4j/i4j_extf_9_5p83tu.exe"
"/Applications/avast!.app"
"/Applications/avast!.app/Contents/Resources/avastKauth.kext"
"/Applications/avast!.app/Contents/Resources/kextloader"
"/Library/Application Support/.Adobe Systems1.21.005.uct2"
"/Library/Application Support/.Macrovision11.03.005.uct2"
"/Library/Application Support/.Macrovision11.5.0.0 build 56285.uct2"
"/Library/Application Support/.Macrovision11.5.0.1 build 57427.uct2"
"/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Version Cue CS4/Server/plugins/com.adobe.versioncue.persistence_4.0.0/template/vcdbtemplate.zip"
"/Library/Application Support/Objective Development/Little Snitch/rules.xpl"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.dock.iconcache.0"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.26"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.4294967294"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.26"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.4294967294"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.92"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.sbdl.26"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.sbdl.4294967294"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.le.sbdl.92"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.sbdl.26"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.sbdl.4294967294"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.tecx.4294967294"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.psnormalizer.fontcache.le.26"
"/Library/Caches/com.apple.psnormalizer.fontcache.le.26.lock"
"/Library/Caches/Desktop Pictures/0.4271580"
"/Library/Logs/Console/0"
"/Library/Modem Scripts/3Connect Modem Script"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/ContactsNodeConfig.plist"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/ContactsNodeConfigBackup.plist"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/DirectoryService.plist"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/DSLDAPv3PlugInConfig.plist"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/SearchNodeConfig.plist"
"/Library/Preferences/DirectoryService/SearchNodeConfigBackup.plist"
"/Library/Printers/Lexmark/Preferences/3300 Series"
"/Library/Receipts/.SetupRegComplete"
"/private/etc/cups/certs"
"/private/etc/cups/classes.conf"
"/private/etc/cups/printers.conf"
"/private/etc/cups/printers.conf.O"
"/private/etc/kcpassword"
"/private/etc/master.passwd"
"/private/etc/openldap/slapd.conf.default"
"/private/etc/racoon/psk.txt"
"/private/etc/racoon/remote/anonymous.conf"
"/private/etc/sudoers"
"/private/tmp/.com.sophos.sau.pid"
"/private/tmp/.com.sophos.sav.ic.pid"
"/private/tmp/.com.sophos.sav.pid"
"/private/var/backups"
"/private/var/db/.AppleSetupDone"
"/private/var/db/.AutoBindDone"
"/private/var/db/.dashboardadvisory.database"
"/private/var/db/BootCache.playlist"
"/private/var/db/BRLM.db"
"/private/var/db/dhcpclient"
"/private/var/db/netinfo/local.nidb"
"/private/var/db/openldap/openldap-data"
"/private/var/db/openldap/openldap-slurp"
"/private/var/db/shadow"
"/private/var/db/Spotlight-V100"
"/private/var/db/sudo"
"/private/var/db/SystemEntropyCache"
"/private/var/db/SystemKey"
"/private/var/launchd/0"
"/private/var/log/mb.log"
"/private/var/root"
"/private/var/run/.DSRunningSP1"
"/private/var/run/netinfo_local.pid"
"/private/var/spool/cups"
"/private/var/spool/fax"
"/private/var/spool/mqueue"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/active"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/bounce"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/corrupt"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/defer"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/deferred"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/flush"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/hold"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/incoming"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/maildrop"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/private"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/public"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/saved"
"/private/var/spool/postfix/trace"
"/private/var/vm/app_profile"
"/private/var/vm/sleepimage"
"/private/var/vm/swapfile0"
"/private/var/vm/swapfile1"
"/private/var/vm/swapfile2"
"/private/var/vm/swapfile3"
"/private/var/vm/swapfile4"
"/System/Library/Filesystems/AppleShare/check_afp.app"
"/System/Library/Filesystems/AppleShare/check_afp.app/Contents/MacOS/check_afp"
"/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MediaKit.framework"
"/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MediaKit.framework/Versions/A/Resources/MKDrivers.bundle/Contents/Resources/bootroot.loader"
"/System/Library/User Template"
"/usr/bin/sudo"
"/usr/libexec/pt_chown"
"/usr/libexec/security_authtrampoline"
"/usr/libexec/security_privportserver"
"/usr/libexec/ssh-keysign"
"/usr/libexec/utmp_update"
"/usr/sbin/pppd"
"/usr/sbin/visudo"
"/usr/sbin/vpnd"

This Question has been solved and asker verified All Experts Exchange premium technology solutions are available to subscription members.

Subscribe now for full access to Experts Exchange and get

Instant Access to this Solution

  • Plus...
  • 30 Day FREE access, no risk, no obligation
  • Collaborate with the world's top tech experts
  • Unlimited access to our exclusive solution database
  • Never be left without tech help again

Subscribe Now

Asked On
2009-10-06 at 03:09:25ID24788242
Tags

Hacked

,

Key logger Anti virus

,

Codes

Topics

Anti-Spyware

,

Proxy/Firewall Anti-Virus

,

Networking Security Vulnerabilities

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
21

Trusted by hundreds of thousands everyday for fast, accurate and reliable tech support.

  • "The time we save is the biggest benefit of Experts Exchange to Warner Bros. What could take multiple guys 2 hours or more each to find is accessed in around 15 minutes on Experts Exchange." Mike Kapnisakis, Warner Bros.
  • "Our team likes having a resource that is more secure than just using Google and most experts using this service really know their stuff. It's nice to look here first versus using Google." Dayna Sellner, Lockheed Martin
  • "Anytime that I've been stumped with a problem, 9 out of 10 times Experts Exchange has either the accepted solution or an open discussion of the potential solution to the problem." Kenny Red, eBay Inc.

See what Experts Exchange can do for you.

Got a question?

We've got the answer.

Experts Exchange has been collecting answers to technology questions since 1996…3 million and counting! If you have a question, chances are we already have your answer.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Need individual assistance?

Our experts are ready to help.

If you can't find the exact answer you're looking for, ask our exclusive community of 50,000 experts. You’ll get a personalized answer from a trusted professional.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Want to learn from the best?

Read articles from industry experts.

Thousands of free tech tips, tricks, how-to’s and tutorials are available in our peer reviewed articles section. See for yourself how smart our experts are, no login required.

Screenshot of an Article

Working on a long term project?

Store your work and research.

Save solutions to your questions, answers you’ve discovered through searching plus helpful articles in your personal knowledgebase for easy future access.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Access the answers to your technology questions today.

Subscribe Now

30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.

What Makes Experts Exchange Unique?

Members of the expert community talk about why the experience at Experts Exchange is different than what you will find anywhere else.

Trusted by the world's most respected brands.

image of each brand's logo

Faithfully serving IT professionals since 1996.

Experts Exchange Logo

Try it out and discover for yourself.

Subscribe Now

30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.

Related Solutions

  1. Appleshare Fileserver
    We are currently using an old LC 475 server running appleshare fileserver 3.0.3 and want to use a powermac 7200 as our server but to upgrade to appleshare filserver 4.2.1 costs over $1000! we are a non-profit organization with a small network of 10 machines and can't afford t...
  2. Starting Appleshare network
    I just bought a second Mac for my office. What hardware do I need to buy and HOW do I start an Appleshare network? One Mac is LC575/ 36Mb/160Mb and other is 9500/150/ 16Mb/1Gb. Both have their own "primary" applications. Other existing devices are: SyQuest EZ135...
  3. AppleShare IP Server required for Windows NT
    I am aware that Appleshare IP servers can deliver much faster network performance for Mac clients. I have found solutions for Unix and Linux based Appleshare IP servers but need to source a solution for Windows NT. Can anyone help?

Free Tech Articles

  1. WARNING: 5 Reasons why you should NEVER fix a computer for free.
    It is in our nature to love the puzzle. We are obsessed. The lot of us. We love puzzles. We love the challenge. We thrive on finding the answer. We hate disarray. It bothers us deep in our soul. W...
  2. SCCM OSD Basic troubleshooting
    SCCM 2007 OSD is a fantastic way to deploy operating systems, however, like most things SCCM issues can sometimes be difficult to resolve due to the sheer volume of logs to sift through and the dispe...
  3. Migrate Small Business Server 2003 to Exchange 2010 and Windows 2008 R2
    This guide is intended to provide step by step instructions on how to migrate from Small Business Server 2003 to Windows 2008 R2 with Exchange 2010. For this migration to work you will need the fo...
  4. Create a Win7 Gadget
    This article shows you how to create a simple "Gadget" -- a sort of mini-application supported by Windows 7 and Vista. Gadgets can be dropped anywhere on the desktop to provide instant information, ...
  5. Outlook continually prompting for username and password
    There have been a lot of questions recently regarding Outlook prompting for a username and password whilst using Exchange 2007. There are a few reasons why this would happen and I will try to cover t...
  6. Backup Exchange 2010 Information Store using Windows Backup
    There seems to be quite a lot of confusion around the ability to backup Exchange 2010 using the built in Windows Backup feature. This stems from the omission of this feature prior to Exchange 2007 s...

Cloud Class Webinars

  1. Avoiding Bugs in Microsoft Access
    Alison Balter takes and in-depth look at avoiding bugs in Access. In this webinar you will learn about using the immediate window to debug your applications, invoking the debugger, using breakpoints to troubleshoot, stepping through code, setting the next statement to execute, ...
  2. Top 10 Best New Features in Visio 2010
    Scott Helmers gives live demonstrations of the top 10 new features in Visio 2010. This webinar will teach you how to create compelling diagrams by adding shapes to the page with a single click, linking the shapes in a diagram to data in Excel (or SQL Server, or SharePoint), ...
  3. IT Consultant Business Secrets Revealed
    Michael Munger, Experts Exchange tech pro and IT consultant, pulls back the curtain on his very successful businesses and answers question on every IT consultant and business owner should know about. He shares secrets on what he did to solve the 5 most common problems in IT, ...
  4. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
    Quest CTO, Mike Billon, gives an overview of the steps involved in building a dunamic disaster recovery plan. Through case studies and an examination of software/hardware tooles for monitoring and testing, you'll gain a better understandin of where you are, where you want ...
  5. Organize Your Visio Diagrams with Containers and Lists
    Scott Helmers uses cross functional flowcharts, wireframe diagrams, data graphic legends and seating charts to teach you: how to ustilize all three new structured diagram components in Visio 2010, the best practices for organizeing shapes in previous version of Visio, how to organize ...
  6. How to Us Objects, Properties, Events and Methods in Microsoft Access
    Alison Dalter gives an in-depbth look at objects, properties, events and methods in Microsoft Access. In this webinar you will learn about using the object browser, referring to objects, working with properties and methods, working with object variables, understanding the ...

Join the Community

Give a Little. Get a Lot.

Join the community of experts here and help other tech pros by answering question in your area of expertise. You can earn FREE access to all Experts Exchange's premium features and resources.

Join the Community

Answers

 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-06 at 03:21:37ID: 25503410

To read your email and / or change your facebook profile the user doesn't need to be hacking your computer but needs to know your passwords.

I would contact facebook, maybe with some help from police to identify those IP numbers that had access to your facebook profile.

This can lead to the person in question.

Tolomir

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-06 at 03:24:57ID: 25503425

I have tried that many times. Nothing happens, they dont have time for that. I have changed my passwords many times as well. Does nothing on this log look strange?

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-06 at 03:36:20ID: 25503501

There are also many other reasons why I think he can access my mac. He has referred to stuff I have been saying while chatting and using other forums.

 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-06 at 03:41:05ID: 25503531

Well - for a start - you should consider a new installation. Make a backup of all you data and start with the system boot CD. Take care that you got all drivers and passwords ready - then clean the system - this should keep him away.

Tolomir

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-06 at 03:49:15ID: 25503585

Thank you but I know this.. my problem is that he has been harassing me for almost two years and it was only recently someone said that it sounded like he was using a program to spy on me. I am getting to the point of desperation and need to proof that he is doing all this shit to my private stuff. So hopefully I will find something that can link it back to him. But I dont know how! But thanks

 

by: mr-gadgetPosted on 2009-10-06 at 04:41:48ID: 25503871

I noticed that you have Adobe CS4. You should be aware that some, shall we say less than 100% legitimate, copies carry some sort of Trojan so it may be possible that there is a key-logger installed. I'd agree with the previous posting  about rebuilding from scratch.

Backup your personal data then reinstall the OS and all apps from original (I.E. Manufacturer) source material. If you've somehow squires disks or installers that you can't be 100% sure are genuine, don't use them this time.

 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-06 at 04:48:56ID: 25503921

What that person does is stalking and this is a crime - go ahead - call the police.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalking

Stalking is a term used to describe unwanted attention by individuals (and sometimes groups of people) to others. Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation. The word "stalking" is used, with some differing meanings, in psychology and psychiatry and also in some legal jurisdictions as a term for a criminal offence. It may also be used to refer to criminal offences or civil wrongs that include conduct which some people consider to be stalking, such as those described in law as "harassment" or similar terms.

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-06 at 05:29:50ID: 25504214

I have reported it to the police. I was just on the phone with them again to find out wether they can help with localizing the IP address used to log on my facebook but they cant help, they suggested I reported it again, and then maybe with time they will look at it again. I have the rights to not have to worry about someone spying on me and using my accounts but there is nowhere to get help.  
Ok, so my last question: What should be my next step to try and find out about how he accesses my stuff? There must be some way to spot something??

 

by: mr-gadgetPosted on 2009-10-06 at 05:46:53ID: 25504348

You could try Little Snitch (http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html)

It's a firewall for your Mac but it also tells you where data is going to and coming from. It's very good. Here's their own blurb....
" As soon as youre connected to the Internet, applications can potentially send whatever information they want to wherever they want.

Sometimes they do this for good reason, on your explicit request. But often they dont. Little Snitch allows you to intercept these unwanted connection attempts, and lets you decide how to proceed.

Little Snitch informs you whenever a program attempts to establish an outgoing Internet connection. You can then choose to allow or deny this connection, or define a rule how to handle similar, future connection attempts. This reliably prevents private data from being sent out without your knowledge. Little Snitch runs inconspicuously in the background and it can also detect network related activity of viruses, trojans and other malware. "

By the way I'm not affiliated with the makers of Little Snitch in any way.

Hope this helps.

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-06 at 10:52:23ID: 25507761

hey, ok thanks for the tip of "little snitch" but how does it actually work? When I go to connection history it gives me 4 different IP adresses. Does this tell me anything? I use my laptop at home, my studio and sometimes at my boyfriends.

 

by: samsixtyPosted on 2009-10-07 at 01:40:23ID: 25513192

If you keep changing your password and he knows it each time then he has access to your computer. Facebook do not email you your password as far as I can remember so this password must be being typed. Unless you are making a note of it somewhere on your computer. If there is no note on the computer then he is using a keylogger.

Make a copy of your files and reinstall your operating system on your mac. It is really easy to do, make sure you choose a fresh installation.

Software keyloggers are the most popular but there are also hardware keyloggers and keyloggers you can insert in to the keyboards firmware More info here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystroke_logging

This site also has some useful advice http://www.getsafeonline.org/

What is happening to you is indeed a crime so keep reporting it to the police, he is accessing files stored on your computer.

 

by: samsixtyPosted on 2009-10-07 at 01:57:24ID: 25513278

When you are using Little Snitch just deny any outgoing connections from applications you do not recognise.

Also go to System Settings>Sharing and make sure you are not sharing anything, especially screen sharing.

If you are in doubt about reinstalling, go to an apple store and they will look after you.

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-07 at 13:14:42ID: 25519533

Hmm, it seems like little snitch is only in a demo mode.. but I guess it costs to have it longer? Only worked for a short time..

 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-08 at 00:19:01ID: 25522848

Built-in 3-hour trial.
Little Snitch 2 - 1 Seat $29.95

 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-08 at 00:20:21ID: 25522851

I know why I stick with windows there you get 30 days in contrast to 3 hours trial. This is competition...


 

by: TolomirPosted on 2009-10-08 at 00:22:12ID: 25522857

hm, should read the complete page, sorry:

The demo runs for three hours, and it can be restarted as often as you like.       

http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/order.html

 

by: samsixtyPosted on 2009-10-08 at 01:09:53ID: 25523044

I would worry less about trying to catch him and concentrate more on securing your mac.

Little Snitch is for outbound connections and can be bypassed too.

I recommend reinstalling your operating system. http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf

If he can collect your passwords, even after you have changed them he likely has access to your computer.

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-21 at 12:50:43ID: 31637604

It didnt help me out but it was ggod answers. What I mean is that I still havent got a solution for my problem but I need to have my computer to be looked at by professionals. Thank you

 

by: samsixtyPosted on 2009-10-21 at 14:27:53ID: 25628697

You could take your machine in to an apple store and ask for advice. They are always very helpful and friendly in my experience.

Good luck, remember, if someone is accessing private files on your computer, it is very likely they are breaking the law and is a police matter.

 

by: mr-gadgetPosted on 2009-10-22 at 01:18:12ID: 25631753

Just watch out with those Apple stores - I've heard of two people in the last week that have lost significant  amounts of data after the Apple Store 'geniuses' supposedly 'fixed' their Macs.

 

by: emi79Posted on 2009-10-22 at 03:05:45ID: 25632409

Ok, thanks.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

3 Ways to Join

30-Day Free Trial

The Experts

98% positive feedback on 31,087 answers since March 2000. angeliii is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his work with MS SQL Server & Develoment.

He has also proven his knowledge of Visual Basic Programming, PHP Scripting and Oracle Databases.

The Experts

97% positive feedback on 10,752 answers since July 2000. lrmoore has more than 18 years experience in the networking industry.

The six-time Mircosoft MVPs specialties include firewalls, virtual private networking, and network management.

Testimonials

"...and excellent source for support... Kind of like having your very own IT dept." Electriciansnet

Testimonials

"I was apprehensive at signing up at first. However... it has already made my life as an IT administrator much easier." JaCrews

Testimonials

"WOW! You guys have great, active, and knowledgeable people on here." moore50

Business Clients

Business Clients

In the Press

"If you’ve got a question... Experts Exchange can supply an answer.”

In the Press

"...an invaluable aid for both IT professionals and those who require tech support."

In the Press

"where IT professionals provide quick answers on just about any topic"

Business Account Plans

Loading Advertisement...