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Level 1

4 points

Mac hacked by USB?

A month or so ago I let my ex put his usb into my Mac laptop to download a film onto it. I’m clueless with technology so let him download a big folder onto my Mac - he claimed it was the film and subtitles but I’m not realising this is unlikely. I deleted all of the files after the movie was over but I’m now especially paranoid. He is an incredibly tech savvy guy and has a track record of being unconventional on the internet so wouldn’t put spyware out of his range.

How can I ensure I have removed any and all threats?

I plan on wiping my phone and laptop back to factory settings and working from there would this be enough considering they have had physical access to my devices?

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jul 7, 2020 9:53 PM

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Top-ranking reply

Level 8

35,314 points

Posted on Jul 7, 2020 10:47 PM

Decide whether to erase (format) your disk..

You probably don't need to erase, unless you're

selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, or

you have an issue that requires you to erase. If

you need Erase before installing macOS, select

Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click

Continue. Learn more about when & how to erase.

• How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

"If you erased your entire disk instead of just the startup

volume on that disk, macOS Recovery might offer only

the macOS that came with your Mac, or closest version

still available. You can upgrade to later version afterward."

Options within Recovery are variable with key choices.

You may need to research this matter before erasing any

and the iPhone has different means to safekeep data, too.

• How to erase your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201274

If you have a backup or three, prior to your Ex- ploits

you could learn how to restore important personal

info from there; even Time Machine with saved time

from before that disruption, may be helpful.

Good luck & happy trails!🌻🐝

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1 reply

Top-ranking reply

Level 8

35,314 points

Jul 7, 2020 10:47 PM in response to GM1824

Decide whether to erase (format) your disk..

You probably don't need to erase, unless you're

selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, or

you have an issue that requires you to erase. If

you need Erase before installing macOS, select

Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click

Continue. Learn more about when & how to erase.

• How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

"If you erased your entire disk instead of just the startup

volume on that disk, macOS Recovery might offer only

the macOS that came with your Mac, or closest version

still available. You can upgrade to later version afterward."

Options within Recovery are variable with key choices.

You may need to research this matter before erasing any

and the iPhone has different means to safekeep data, too.

• How to erase your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201274

If you have a backup or three, prior to your Ex- ploits

you could learn how to restore important personal

info from there; even Time Machine with saved time

from before that disruption, may be helpful.

Good luck & happy trails!🌻🐝

Reply

Mac hacked by USB?

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