LightSpy Malware

Can Macs get viruses? Contrary to the popular belief, yes, they can. There’s been a misconception that Macs are immune to malware, but that’s not entirely true. While Apple’s operating system is generally less susceptible to cyberattacks compared to Microsoft’s, it’s still possible for malicious content like the LightSpy malware to infiltrate your Mac or MacBook, leading to serious consequences.

Dealing with malware is no walk in the park. Virus infections can render your device completely unusable, which is understandably concerning. However, it doesn’t have to escalate to that point to be alarming. Viruses can also degrade your Mac’s performance, inundate you with bothersome ads and pop-ups, and, in the worst-case scenario, compromise sensitive information and breach your bank accounts.

Before we start:

 

We suggest using an antivirus as a potential solution to your cybersecurity concerns. MacKeeper’s Antivirus tool could be your most reliable option. It offers a comprehensive privacy and security suite, which makes detecting and removing malware on your Mac much easier or quicker.

 

Follow these simple steps to make the most of MacKeeper’s Antivirus:

1. Open MacKeeper on your Mac/MacBook device.
2. Go to the Security section and choose the Antivirus tab.
3. Click Start Scan, and wait until the scan is done.
4. If any threats are found, go through each one of them and move them to quarantine.
5. After restarting your Mac, select them and click Delete to get rid of them.

If you’re concerned that your Mac has been infected by the LightSpy malware, our team of experts is ready to provide you with all the necessary information to remove it from your computer for good.

What is LightSpy malware

LightSpy is a cyber threat that can infiltrate your computer, access your saved data (from messages to multimedia), collect device information, and track your location using a GPS.

In 2020, the LightSpy malware targeted mobile devices running Android and iOS. It infiltrated contact lists, call histories, messages (SMS/iMessage), and popular messaging app chats. It could also obtain Wi-Fi network and browser data and steal Keychain data.

Then, in January 2024, a macOS version of this spyware was discovered, with similar behavior on infected devices.

How does the LightSpy malware work

The LightSpy variants for iOS and macOS have many similarities. They’re both sophisticated malicious implants that primarily distribute through compromised news sites. Initially, the implant gathers device information and then downloads multiple plugins with different spying functions.

These spying activities include data harvesting (browsing history, media data, keystrokes), audio recording (via the device’s mic), webcam access, and file theft (modification, deletion, and downloading/uploading of files) plugins.

How the LightSpy malware infects devices

LightSpy also has Keychain access, network information, and device data collection capabilities.

This modular surveillance toolset utilizes certificate pinning, a security mechanism that prevents it from being halted and communicating with its C2 server, making LightSpy particularly dangerous.

Who is targeted by LightSpy malware

The LightSpy malware poses a threat to Android, iOS, and macOS devices, especially older ones. For instance, according to Security Affairs, macOS users with macOS 10.13.3 are the most susceptible to this malware. Additionally, as for the geo, this malware is prevalent in South Asia.

How to protect yourself from LightSpy malware

How to delete malware from Mac? While this malware not only affects Apple computers, here we’ll focus on giving you tips to protect your Mac from LightSpy:

1. Basic cybersecurity practices
2. Update Mac’s software
3. Update your browsers
4. Prevent downloads from untrusted developers
5. Enable Mac’s Firewall
6. Install cybersecurity software
7. Use iCloud Keychain
8. Set strong passwords
9. Back up your data
10. Beware of the warning signs

1. Basic cybersecurity practices

To protect your Mac’s privacy and security and avoid falling victim to a virus like LightSpy, we recommend following some basic tips:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafés, hotels, and airports.
• Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it.
• Only visit websites that use the HTTPS protocol for secure browsing instead of HTTP.
• Don’t click on links in emails, suspicious websites, or software alerts if you’re unsure about their legitimacy.
• Enable two-factor authentication for all your accounts and passwords.
• Always ensure that a website is secure before entering your credit card details and other sensible information.

2. Update Mac’s software

Our team also suggests updating your Mac’s operating system regularly. This will ensure you have the latest macOS privacy features and protect your computer from potential security bugs. Here’s how:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window, click General.
4. Click Software Update on your right.
5. Then, click the Upgrade Now button.

3. Update your browsers

It’s always a good idea for you to use the latest version of your web browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, as they include security and privacy features that can help protect your Mac.

As an example, here’s how to update Google Chrome:

1. Launch Google Chrome on your Mac.
2. Click on the three dots icon in the top-right corner.
3. Click Help from the dropdown menu, then click About Chrome.
4. Ensure your browser is up to date.

4. Prevent downloads from untrusted developers

Another tip to protect yourself from the LightSpy malware is to use a feature in your Mac’s Privacy & Security settings. This function will set your device to download only programs from the App Store, which have gone through Apple’s notarization process, and from identified developers. Do the following:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window, scroll down and click Privacy & Security.
4. On your right, scroll down to find the Security section.
5. Choose between these two options: App Store, or App Store and identified developers.

5. Enable Mac’s Firewall

macOS also includes the Firewall feature, which you should especially use if you often connect to public Wi-Fi networks. This will provide your Mac with an extra layer of security against malware attacks such as LightSpy. Follow these steps to enable your Firewall:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window, click Network.
4. On your right, click Firewall.
5. Turn on the Firewall toggle.

6. Install cybersecurity software

How to know if someone is spying on your Mac? We highly recommend installing antivirus and VPN software to enhance your cybersecurity.

Antivirus software can help detect, block, and remove various types of malicious content, including spyware like LightSpy. Additionally, browsing with a VPN enabled will encrypt your online activity, adding an extra layer of security.

Both of them can be found within the MacKeeper app—try it out today.

7. Use iCloud Keychain

The LightSpy malware can access information stored on your computer, which may include your credentials and bank details. To protect all your passwords, you can store them encrypted using the iCloud Keychain feature. Do the following:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window, select your Apple ID name.
4. On your right, click iCloud.
5. Scroll down and click Passwords & Keychain under Apps Using iCloud.
6. Make sure the Sync this Mac toggle is turned on.

8. Set strong login passwords

Remember to set up a strong login password for your Mac to make it more difficult for unauthorized access. You can also use your computer’s biometric capabilities for added security. While this won’t necessarily prevent malware, it can help protect you from potential risks and consequences. Use these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose System Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window, select Touch ID & Password.
4. On your right, click Add Fingerprint to set up Touch ID.

9. Back up your data

If your Mac gets infected, formatting the computer can result in data loss. To prevent this, we suggest that you back up your data regularly using one or more of the following methods:

• For automatic backups of documents, photos, music, apps, and emails, use the built-in Time Machine feature or a third-party backup app.
• Sync and store your apps and data in the cloud using your iCloud account.
• Save documents, photos, videos, and music to a cloud storage service of your choice.
• Manually copy documents, photos, videos, and music to an external storage device.

10. Beware of the warning signs

Lastly, we recommend you to monitor your Mac’s behavior for signs of malware infection, such as:

• Mac slowdowns
• Irregular and buggy Mac performance
• Changes to web browser extensions, homepage, and default search engine
• Excessive ads and suspicious pop-ups, including security alerts
• Restricted access to personal documents

Note from our experts: 

 

If you’re wondering how to detect malware on Mac, the best solution is MacKeeper’s Antivirus. This tool provides security and peace of mind with features like real-time alerts for critical detections. You can also customize scans and run them at your convenience.

 

Below, we’ll guide you on using MacKeeper’s Antivirus to detect and block malicious files within seconds:

1. Open the MacKeeper app.
2. In the sidebar, choose the Antivirus tab, under Security.
3. On your right, click Start Scan.
4. Wait until MacKeeper’s done scanning your Mac.
5. Click the Check All box to select all threats.
6. Next, click the Move to Quarantine button at the bottom.
7. Click Restart and wait until the app relaunches.
8. Select all threats again.
9. Finally, hit the Delete button and click Delete to confirm.

Say goodbye to prying eyes, say goodbye to LightSpy

Spyware on Mac can be worrisome. LightSpy has been a threat to iOS devices since 2020 and was recently detected on older Macs. Once LightSpy gets into your Mac, it floods it with plugins that can access your conversations, contacts, media, browser, device information, and even your location.

The thought of being a victim of such a cyberattack is alarming. Fortunately, we’ve equipped you with basic security tips that you can use to protect yourself from these threats. To take it a step further, you can modify your Mac settings, update the software and your apps, and use several privacy features built into macOS.

In such a situation, using an antivirus is the quickest and most effective way to protect yourself. A tool like MacKeeper’s Antivirus can help you detect if your Mac is compromised and remove LightSpy and any traces of it from the system, all in the background and in real time, so that you don’t have to worry about anything.