MacPersistenceChecker: Find Hidden Apps and Secure Your Mac
Is your Mac running slower than usual? Or maybe you deleted an app, but it still seems to be running in the background?
You are not alone. Many apps use “persistence” to stay on your computer. Persistence means the software starts automatically whenever you turn on your Mac. Sometimes this is good (like a calendar app), but it can also be used by malicious software (malware) or “junk” apps that slow down your system.
Meet MacPersistenceChecker. This is a free, open-source tool that helps you see exactly what is running on your Mac. It helps you decide what to keep and what to delete.
What is MacPersistenceChecker?
Think of MacPersistenceChecker as a powerful X-ray for your Mac.
Your Mac has a settings menu called “Login Items,” but it doesn't show everything. MacPersistenceChecker looks deeper. It scans hidden areas of your computer, such as:
Launch Agents & Daemons: Scripts that run in the background.
Kernel Extensions: Deep system modifications.
Cron Jobs: Scheduled tasks.
It finds every single program that starts automatically and shows it to you in a simple list.
Reasons Why You Need This Tool
1. It Uses AI to Watch Your System
You do not need to be a computer expert to use this. The tool features an AI Mode (powered by Claude) that analyzes your system's current state. When you run a scan, the AI examines file behaviors and digital signatures to tell you exactly what is safe and what is a risk.
If a file changes, the AI analyzes it. It looks at the file’s “digital signature” and behavior. If the change is dangerous, it alerts you. If it is safe, it stays quiet. This means you only get notifications when it is important.
2. Simple “Risk Scores” (0-100)
How do you know if a file is bad? MacPersistenceChecker assigns a Risk Score to every item.
Low Score (Green): The app is likely safe (e.g., signed by Apple).
High Score (Red): The app is suspicious.
It checks if the app is trying to hide, if it is unsigned, or if it is using “hardened runtime” (modern security). This helps you make quick decisions.
3. Travel Back in Time
Security researchers love this feature, but it is useful for everyone. The tool creates a Timeline.
You can see exactly when an app was installed.
You can take a Snapshot (a picture of your system settings) today.
Later, you can compare a new snapshot to the old one to see what changed.
This is very helpful if you install a new program and your computer suddenly starts acting weird.
4. Find “Junk” Apps
Some apps are not viruses, but they are messy. They leave files all over your computer. The tool provides a Risk Score (0-100) for every background item. It flags 'invasive' apps that lack proper digital signatures or use hidden persistence to keep running without your permission.
It checks how much “junk” the app leaves behind.
It finds cache files that are taking up space.
It helps you identify which apps are clogging up your Mac.
5. Quarantine Suspicious Files
If you find a file that looks dangerous, you might be afraid to delete it. What if deleting it breaks your computer?
MacPersistenceChecker has a Containment System. You can “quarantine” (lock up) the file. This allows you to manage quarantine flags and verify signatures. It helps you safely identify and disable suspicious persistence items so they can't run automatically, giving you the chance to remove them without crashing your system.
Key Terms Explained
Persistence: The ability of software to restart itself automatically after a reboot.
Binaries: The actual computer program files (executables).
Open Source: Software that is free to use and lets anyone inspect its code to ensure it is safe.
Malware: Malicious software (viruses, spyware) designed to harm your computer.
How to Download
MacPersistenceChecker is free to use.
Go to the Website: Visit the GitHub Repository.
Download: Click on “Releases” on the right side and download the
.dmgfile.Run: Open the file and let it scan your Mac.
Conclusion
Keeping your Mac clean is important for speed and security. Whether you are a developer or just a regular user, MacPersistenceChecker gives you the power to control your own computer. Stop guessing what is running in the background and start knowing.