If you suspect that someone may have been trying to gain unauthorized access to your Mac, there’s a, straightforward way to check for unsuccessful logins within the operating system.
Step One: Launch Console App
Find the Console app on your Mac. This can be done by using the Finder, then heading over to Applications > Utilities > Console. If you often need to check, you could shorten the process next time by using Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar) and typing ‘Console’.
Step Two: View System Log
Within the Console app, in the left sidebar, you’ll see a section called ‘Reports’. Click on this and then find ‘system.log’. This report will contain a record of various system events.
Step Three: Search for Login Attempts
Select the most current ‘system.log’ file, and then enter ‘authentication’ in the search bar in the top right hand corner of the Console window. This should filter out log entries related to authentication.
Step Four: Analyze the Information
The log entries for authentication attempts will state whether an authentication attempt was accepted or rejected, and provide you with the date and time of the attempt. It will look something like this:
com.apple.xpc.launchd[1] (com.apple.screensharing.MessagesAgent): Unknown key for Boolean: EnableTransactions
The data you’re interested in will typically be in brackets such as (com.apple.screensharing.MessagesAgent). That’s the process name that initiated the log-in attempt.
By going through these steps, you’ll be able to see if someone has tried logging into your Mac and then take necessary security measures. Remember, an unexpected amount of failed login attempts is a good indicator of someone attempting unauthorized access.
If you find large numbers of unsuccessful log-in attempts on your Mac, consider upgrading your security measures. These may include using complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and routinely updating your software to benefit from the latest security features.
Even if you find no such attempts, it’s still beneficial to check occasionally, especially for individuals who have confidential data stored or use their Macs in public spaces. Regular checks can keep your data safe from potential intruders.