I have a MacBook Pro and a little more computer experience than the average user, but I'm not an IT professional. Over the weekend, I enabled hidden files and browsed through some folders. I found several ordinary cell-phone photos and videos that I don't recognize and have never received through messages, email, or social media. My firewall usually blocks incoming connections, AirDrop is disabled, and the MacBook stays inside my home. I bought it new several years ago and have always had possession of it. What could explain these files being on my computer?
2 Answers
Check the files’ metadata, especially the original device, creation date, and file path. They may be cached thumbnails, temporary files, or content created by another Apple application rather than personal files intentionally copied to your Mac. The metadata may show that they came from an iPhone or another source.
Since you bought the Mac new and have kept it with you, a previous owner is unlikely. Before assuming the worst, check whether the files are thumbnails, app caches, backups, or remnants from synced devices. Their exact folder location and timestamps should help identify which application created them. You can also run a reputable malware scan and review iCloud, Photos, Messages, and backup settings for devices you no longer use.
I bought it brand new a few years ago and it has always been in my possession.
The metadata identifies an iPhone 15, while I use an iPhone 17, so I’m still not sure where the files came from.