Add face-based authentication to Linux using Howdy, which works with built-in infrared emitters and cameras.
Open source
24 alternativesOverSight
Get alerts when an app accesses a Mac microphone or camera with OverSight.
About OverSight
OverSight is a macOS privacy tool from Objective-See that monitors for unauthorized access to a computer's microphone and webcam. It sends alerts whenever either device is activated, including cases where malware surreptitiously piggybacks on existing active video call sessions (such as FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangouts) to record audio or video without detection. The tool requires administrative user privileges to install and run, and supports macOS 12 and later. It runs continuously in the background by default, starting automatically at login, and offers configurable options including permanent allow rules for trusted apps, the ability to block suspicious processes, support for custom scripts to run on device access events, an option to hide its status bar icon, and the ability to ignore external microphone or camera devices.
Key features
- Alerts when macOS microphone or webcam is activated
- Detects surreptitious access via active video call sessions
- Allows users to allow, block, or set permanent rules for processes
- Runs automatically at login by default
- Supports custom scripts to run on mic/camera events
- Can hide status bar icon while continuing to run
Best for: Mac users seeking alerts for unauthorized microphone or webcam access, including from hidden malware activity.
Good for
- Alerts on mic/webcam activation even when malware piggybacks on existing active sessions
- Provides configurable rules to allow trusted apps permanently or block suspicious access
- Runs continuously in the background with minimal post-setup configuration
Watch out for
- Only compatible with macOS 12 and later versions
- Requires administrative user privileges to install and run
- Occasionally cannot identify the process responsible for device activation
OverSight at a glance
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Desktop & OS Privacy
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- macOS, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
OverSight alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Check which software is persistently installed on a Mac with KnockKnock, a tool for inspecting startup items.
Tunnelblick is free, open-source macOS software for controlling OpenVPN connections, with downloads and support information on its site.
The MailTrackerBlocker extension for macOS Apple Mail blocks email trackers, read receipts, and tracking pixels.
Check file origin and cryptographic signing details from Finder with this macOS utility.
BlockBlock monitors for malware that installs itself persistently to run automatically after a restart or login.
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OverSight FAQ
What operating systems does OverSight support?
OverSight supports macOS 12 and later.
What privileges are required to install and run OverSight?
It can only be installed and run on accounts with administrative privileges.
What happens if OverSight cannot identify the process accessing a device?
A generic alert without the specific process name and identifier is shown.
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