Is Someone Accessing My Mac Remotely?

Recently, a user asked, 'Are you asking tons of inane questions polluting everyone else’s question feeds with noise?' To which I responded, 'Why yes, yes you are.' The question of someone accessing your Mac remotely is a legitimate concern and one that deserves a thorough examination. If you suspect that someone has access to your computer, it’s important to understand the potential causes and take steps to secure your system. Let’s break down the possible scenarios and how to address them.

Overview of Remote Access Concerns

Most of the time, when you suspect remote access, it’s often due to compromised accounts on your computer rather than someone accessing it remotely through the network. It’s important to ensure that your accounts and settings are secure and that physical security isn’t compromised. Here are some steps you can take to secure your Mac and minimize the risk of remote access:

Step 1: Disable IPv6

To disable IPv6:

Open System Preferences and click on Network. Select the appropriate network interface from the menu on the left (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet). Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the Network window. Select the TCP/IP tab, and uncheck the box for IPv6. Click OK, and then apply the changes.

Disabling IPv6 can help prevent unauthorized access from outside your local network.

Step 2: Secure Your BIOS Settings

Ensure that your BIOS has not been compromised by someone with physical access. If you suspect that someone may have had physical access, follow these steps to secure your system:

Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key to boot into the Startup Manager. Press the Command Option O F keys to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Once in the settings, change the BIOS password and username to add an additional layer of security. Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Strong passwords and usernames in the BIOS can prevent unauthorized physical access to your Mac.

Step 3: Change Passwords and Disable Parental Controls

If you know someone who may be accessing your Mac, such as a jealous ex or a former tenant, it’s important to take immediate action:

Change all passwords. Log into each account and set new, strong passwords. This is the first line of defense. Disable parental controls. If the compromised account has parental controls enabled, you will need to abandon the account, such as Gmail or Microsoft Outlook, and create a new one. Parental controls are designed to block certain activities, but they do not protect against unauthorized access.

Changing passwords is crucial, but if the account has been added to an admin account in Workspace, you may need to take more substantial steps to regain control.

Step 4: Investigate Suspicious Activity

If you suspect that someone has created remote access, you may need to use more advanced tools to investigate:

Use packet tracers. These tools can help you monitor network traffic and identify any unusual activity. Check system logs. Inspect system logs for any signs of unauthorized access or modifications. Monitor network connections. Use network monitoring tools to detect any unexpected connections or traffic.

Without the proper tools, it can be challenging to determine if someone has accessed your Mac through a remote server or another gateway. The more you know about your system and its network environment, the better you can secure it.

Conclusion

The issue of someone accessing your Mac remotely is a serious concern that requires attention to detail and careful investigation. By taking steps to secure your accounts, disable IPv6, and use advanced tools to monitor your system, you can take significant steps to protect your Mac from unauthorized access. If you’re still unsure, consulting a professional IT security expert might be the best course of action.

My experience with remote access has been ongoing for years, where I discovered that my ex had created an account and server that bypassed my router and served as an alternative gateway. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to seek help or additional resources to secure your system.

Good luck with your efforts to secure your Mac from remote access.