Despite having every setting I can find in System Preferences telling it not to, my late 2014 iMac is logging itself out of my (admin and only) user account when idle for more than about 30 minutes. It's also refusing to log in on startup automatically. This behaviour began recently with no obvious cause.
Could this be some preference file getting corrupted? All suggestions welcome...
iMac, OS X 10.10
Is the proxy there when you create another user?
If it is, then you will need to backup just the Documents, Desktop, Music, Pictures folders, of your computer, and reinstall applications after erase and installing the system. Change your password immediately once you have verified you can install the system without it being installed. Now as long as your email isn't POP, you shouldn't have to worry about backing up email. If you do, there is no guarantee the virus isn't hiding in your email.
If it is not there, copy the same folders into the Users-> Shared folder while in the original account, and then log in the other account and bring over the same files into the other account.
command-R restart will let you open Disk Utility to reformat your hard drive if you are forced to take step 1.
Is the proxy there when you create another user?
If it is, then you will need to backup just the Documents, Desktop, Music, Pictures folders, of your computer, and reinstall applications after erase and installing the system. Change your password immediately once you have verified you can install the system without it being installed. Now as long as your email isn't POP, you shouldn't have to worry about backing up email. If you do, there is no guarantee the virus isn't hiding in your email.
If it is not there, copy the same folders into the Users-> Shared folder while in the original account, and then log in the other account and bring over the same files into the other account.
command-R restart will let you open Disk Utility to reformat your hard drive if you are forced to take step 1.
I've just discovered a Malware proxy serve in my Network settings – one that self-propagates when deleted. I thing this is the cause of my logging out problems and a lot more. Will post this as a separate issue.
Why was a proxy being chosen in the first place?
I agree the malware could definitely be linked to why you are logging out no reason?
How did you come across the malware? Was a link to some site clicked? Was some network software added that was unncessary?
Intego firewall software is one software that could potentially introduce proxies when none are needed. Proxies can be helpful when browsing the same sites repeatedly to limit where traffic goes. But misprogrammed proxies can lead to lots of problems.
Why was a proxy being chosen in the first place?
I didn't choose it: it installed itself somehow, without my permission.
How did you come across the malware?
If I knew that I might know how to get rid of it! I run a VPN (this proxy is completely unrelated) and ClamXav daily, but this slipped under the radar. I'm currently using Little Snitch to try and find out more. EtreCheck found the rogue proxy on a routine scan.
But misprogrammed proxies can lead to lots of problems.
I'm well aware. This is spying on my Mac, but I can't remove it!
Thanks for this. I already have a Carbon Copy clone backup of the drive, so if I mess this up I could start from that.
I assume the malware inserted itself by my clicking on an illicit link that folded me into thinking it was legitimate, though I can I usually spot these things.
The longer it remains the longer a keylogger could capture your entries and steal your identity
Agreed.
I was about to buy a Mac studio, but dare not shift my files until I’ve got to the bottom of this.
Guess it also means having to change many hundreds of passwords...
Is your machine under a school or corporate managed service?
Etrecheck - the handy reporting tool for … - Apple Community
might be able to tell if something is installed that could be doing it.
Thanks. No, it's only on my domestic network of a few Macs.
I ran Etrecheck a while back and it didn't flag anything unusual, but I'll do another just to be sure.
If booting off your ccc clone you dont see it, just restore your clone from scratch.. The longer it remains the longer a keylogger could capture your entries and steal your identity
Catalina logging out when idle for no reason
