MacOS.Spyme.P
MacOS.Spyme.P is a generic detection for a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) for macOS computers. As a PUA threat, MacOS.Spyme.P enters devices without the user’s notice, usually through file-downloads disguised as some useful apps or tools. After the infection, a PUA may show up as an unknown browser extension, suspicious app, or another tool, for which the user cannot remember having installed deliberately.
PUAs also come often as drive-by downloads included in the setup-files of other programs that users install, typically freeware. MacOS computers can also get infected with MacOS.Spyme.P through fake Flash Player updates when a user visits corrupted pages and clicks on random pop-ups claiming that Flash Player is out-of-date and requires updating. Other methods for distributing PUAs, specifically such carrying Mac viruses, are based on fake messages which display unspecified cybersecurity issues and prompt the user to download rogue anti-malware applications.
Most PUAs are not considered particularly hazardous malware threats; yet, they still can impose severe damage. MacOS.Spyme.P, in particular, has most likely been created to spy on the victim’s activities and extract information that can be valuable for the attackers. Such data may include browsing history, system details, search terms, or even personal details, login credentials, and so on. Extracted data is usually sold to third parties for a profit, putting at risk the victim’s online identity and finances.
Apart from the privacy issues, MacOS.Spyme.P also can cause PC performance drawbacks by generating and displaying numerous advertisements and banners. These advertising pop-ups may show up on top of any other content, reducing the quality of the browsing experience. Advertising content displayed by a PUA like MacOS.Spyme.P can also contain links that send the user to potentially malicious websites or services that distribute destructive malware threats like Trojans and ransomware.
It is recommended to use a certified anti-malware program for Mac to detect and remove MacOS.Spyme.P and all other PUAs from your system.
