Odyssey is a sophisticated piece of malware that falls under the category of information stealers, specifically targeting macOS users. As a variant of the well-known AMOS (Atomic) Stealer, Odyssey has gained notoriety for its ability to quietly infiltrate Apple systems and extract a wide array of sensitive data—ranging from login credentials and browser data to cryptocurrency wallet contents and keychain-stored information.
Odyssey’s emergence highlights an increasing trend: macOS is no longer a safe haven from malware. Cybercriminals have evolved, and so have their tools. Odyssey is proof that even Apple users are now under siege from high-level information theft.
Odyssey Threat Summary
Category | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Odyssey Information Stealer |
Threat Type | Stealer (macOS-based) |
Associated Emails | Not specified (uses fake installers and deceptive sites) |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AMOS-BV [Trj]), G-Data (Generic.Trojan.Agent.52PDAF), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.OSX.Amos.gen), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen) |
Symptoms of Infection | No visible symptoms; designed to operate stealthily |
Distribution Methods | Fake Google Chrome installers, deceptive websites, malicious ads |
Damage Potential | Identity theft, stolen passwords, unauthorized account access, stolen crypto, financial loss |
Danger Level | Critical |
What Does Odyssey Do?
Once installed, Odyssey begins by harvesting technical device data—such as model name, UUID, OS version, CPU details, and RAM. This initial profiling helps the malware tailor its actions depending on the system environment.
Next, it seeks permission to access key user folders like Desktop and Documents, enabling it to download files directly from the system. One of its most dangerous capabilities is its access to macOS Keychain, a vault containing sensitive information like saved Wi-Fi credentials, website logins, and even credit card data.
Odyssey is designed to infiltrate and extract data from multiple popular web browsers, including:
- Google Chrome
- Brave
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera & OperaGX
- Vivaldi
- Yandex
In addition to credentials and autofill data, Odyssey can tap into browser-based cryptocurrency wallets and extensions, making it a serious threat to crypto holders.
Why Odyssey Is So Dangerous
What makes Odyssey especially threatening is its silent operation. Most users will not detect its presence until after damage is done. It hides in plain sight, requiring no user interaction after its deceptive installation, and proceeds to loot the victim’s digital life with precision.
Cybercriminals use the stolen data to:
- Hijack email, social media, banking, and gaming accounts
- Commit identity fraud
- Conduct unauthorized purchases
- Send phishing or scam messages using compromised accounts
- Sell stolen data on the dark web
Manual Removal of Info-Stealers on macOS
(Recommended for advanced users)
Step 1: Quit Malicious Processes
- Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities).
- Look for unfamiliar processes using a lot of CPU or RAM.
- Select the suspicious process and click the “X” (Force Quit) in the toolbar.
Common process names include agentUpdater
, com.apple.system
, StealC
, VidarAgent
, or randomly generated ones.
Step 2: Remove Suspicious Login Items
- Open System Settings (Ventura or newer) or System Preferences (Monterey and older).
- Go to:
- Ventura and later:
Users & Groups > Login Items
- Monterey and earlier:
Users & Groups → Login Items
- Ventura and later:
- Remove any unrecognized or unwanted entries using the minus (–) button.
Step 3: Delete Malicious Applications
- Go to Finder > Applications.
- Sort by Date Added to spot recently installed suspicious apps.
- Drag questionable apps to the Trash, then Empty Trash.
Step 4: Remove Malware-Related Files and Launch Items
- In Finder, click Go > Go to Folder.
- Check and clean the following directories:
javascriptCopyEdit~/Library/LaunchAgents/
~/Library/Application Support/
~/Library/Preferences/
~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
Also check these system-level paths:
swiftCopyEdit/Library/LaunchAgents/
/Library/LaunchDaemons/
/Library/Application Support/
- Look for files with strange names or those referencing fake apps or random strings (e.g.,
com.update.agent.plist
,vidarupdater
,stealerwatcher.plist
) and delete them.
Step 5: Remove Rogue Browser Extensions
Safari
- Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions
- Uninstall suspicious extensions
Chrome
- Go to Chrome > Settings > Extensions
- Remove anything unfamiliar
Firefox
- Open Firefox > Add-ons > Extensions
- Remove suspicious entries
Step 6: Reset Browsers to Default
Safari:
- Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
Chrome:
- Chrome > Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults
Firefox:
- Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox
Step 7: Clear Keychain and Update Passwords
- Open Keychain Access (Applications > Utilities).
- Search for stored login credentials related to compromised accounts.
- Remove suspicious entries.
- Change passwords for all major services (Apple ID, email, banking, cloud storage, etc.).
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter for Mac (RECOMMENDED)
(Recommended for all users seeking fast, secure removal)
SpyHunter for Mac is a professional anti-malware solution designed to detect and eliminate Mac-specific threats, including info-stealers, adware, browser hijackers, and trojans.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter for Mac
Click the link below to download the latest version of SpyHunter (Download SpyHunter for Mac)
Need installation help? Follow this guide: SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install and Launch SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded SpyHunter-Mac.dmg file.
- Drag SpyHunter to your Applications folder.
- Open SpyHunter and grant necessary permissions when prompted.
Step 3: Scan Your Mac
- Launch SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan.
- Let it complete the system scan to detect all malware traces.
- Click Fix Threats to remove detected infections.
Step 4: Activate Real-Time Protection
- Open SpyHunter’s Settings and turn on real-time malware monitoring to block future threats.
Prevention Tips to Stay Safe on macOS
- Avoid downloading cracked software or torrents
- Only install apps from the Mac App Store or official vendor websites
- Keep macOS and all apps updated regularly
- Be cautious with email attachments and fake software updates
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA
- Consider a comprehensive anti-malware tool like SpyHunter for Mac
Conclusion
Odyssey is a critical-level stealer targeting macOS users, especially those active in the crypto or tech space. It exploits system permissions and browser data to carry out silent yet devastating thefts. If you suspect your system might be compromised, immediate action is necessary to safeguard your identity, finances, and digital presence.
Even though macOS is generally more secure than other operating systems, tools like Odyssey prove that no one is truly safe without proper cybersecurity awareness.