How to optimize memory usage when dealing with XProtectRemediatorSheepSwap on Mac

Today the process XProtectRemediatorSheepSwap started using high amounts of memory. It will start at around 2GB and then will keep climbing until it reaches 20 or 30GB at which point the mac will become completely unusable.

A malware scan found nothing. I ran XProCheck but the log says NoThreatDetected for Sheep Swap. I tried rebooting but after a couple of minutes the process returns again.

Any tips/ideas would be appreciated.

XProCheck log

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iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Feb 10, 2024 9:16 PM

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,146 points

Posted on Feb 10, 2024 9:55 PM

CleanMyMac is a problem. It should be removed by the uninstaller provided by MacPaw. These types of apps will conflict with the normal operation of your OS:

Cleaners
Optimizers
Anti-Virus
VPN

Any third party process that runs at startup on your system has the potential to conflict with the scans that XProtect does for Malware detection. A more useful tool to determine what is being launched on startup and Kernel Extensions that could be causing a conflict is EtreCheck. You can post the free report here using the Additional Text option when posting. This should be done after removing any of the apps in the above list.

Using EtreCheck - Apple Community

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50 replies

tobwise

Level 1

18 points

Feb 19, 2024 7:06 AM in response to cuervo7

You are doing better than me then 👍🏻. I am still getting it but mostly in the morning for about 2 hours in total over a 3 hour period and then fine for the rest of the day. Just waiting for the day for it to be over 🤪.

tobwise

Level 1

18 points

Feb 19, 2024 5:28 PM in response to cuervo7

Hey cuervo7, cheers for the notification about the installation update. I normally check daily with anticipation regardless but since you mentioned it I did look first thing this morning and saw there was an update. Hopefully this is what my computer is needing so will see how I go. But to avoid disappointment I am not holding my breath. I will keep you posted. Good luck to me 😄.

tobwise

Level 1

18 points

Feb 13, 2024 6:08 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Already did that but unfortunately the same problem reared its ugly head within a couple of hours.

cuervo7 Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 19, 2024 5:51 AM in response to cuervo7

Just a little update. I've only had to issue pop up once since last Wednesday. Looks like it went as quickly as it came. 😄

cuervo7 Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 19, 2024 12:17 PM in response to tobwise

At least it's usable a good portion of the day.😉 But yeah, it is annoying. I did notice there was another XProtect update again today. Did you already get that update?

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How to optimize memory usage when dealing with XProtectRemediatorSheepSwap on Mac