Mysterious "root" process taking up app memory

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Level 1

8 points

Mysterious "root" process taking up app memory

I use a new Macbook 2019 and it is updated to Catalina 10.15.1.

Since I started using this Macbook (even before the update to Catalina), I got a message every 30 or so minutes that my current applications were taking up too much memory and I should close some of them.

On investigating this further, I noticed in the Activity Monitor that there are two mysterious processes run by "root" that are the cause of this problem. Every time I Force Stop these processes, they automatically recommence and begin taking up my memory space until they are each taking up roughly 30 GB of memory. See screenshot below:

Whast are these two mysterious processes, "zcKQFuPI" and "EUygqGNg"?

If someone could help me out with this I would be incredibly grateful because I can't seem to find an explanation anywhere.

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 5, 2019 1:37 AM

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Answer 1

soham1408 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2019 11:53 AM in response to Leanne_68

Thanks for your reply! It was an issue of adware.

I ended up sorting out the issue by deleting all the random apps/ processes that were set to start up automatically upon startup. Then I went and found the source files and deleted them too. Once those were deleted, the problem went away and never came back.

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Answer 2

Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Nov 9, 2019 10:15 AM in response to soham1408

Hi soham1408,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! I see you're having an issue with two root processes, and I'd like to do what I can to help out.

Was an app installed before those notices started being received? If so, uninstall that app, restart your Mac and see if the issue returns.

Since you mentioned this started happening before installing macOS Catalina, and that those processes are not identifiable, it may be malware or adware causing the issue. MalwareBytes is a free download which can detect and remove unwanted malware and adware: MalwareBytes Select the free download, and follow the steps provided.

This page has some great tips: Protect your Mac from malware

Take care!

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Answer 3

sterling r

Community Specialist

Nov 9, 2019 1:00 PM in response to soham1408

Hi soham1408,

Thanks for letting us know the issue is now resolved. We appreciate it!

Enjoy your day!

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Mysterious "root" process taking up app memory

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