Should I be concerned about 'f_malware.txt' and 'f_tracking.txt' files on my iMac?

I am not computer savvy!

I presume that some .txt files could be potentially concerning.

I found these on my iMac:


f_malware.txt

f_tracking.txt


Should I be concerned?

If so, what steps should I take?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Concerned About Unfamiliar .txt

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 5:49 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 6:15 AM

well txt files can't execute any sort of code, really so txt files are harmless in themselves


if they were made by some malware then it would be a pretty poor naming convention the malware creators choose, as malware usually wishes to remain undetected.


if it was me then I would try using eTrecheck EtreCheck and let that scan


and then maybe also get the free version of malware bytes and let that scan Malwarebytes Antivirus, Anti-Malware, Privacy & Scam Protection


but no matter what then I would never begin some paid subscription of anything


many such malware /vira/... scanners would be prime suspect as creating files such as

f_malware.txt, f_tracking.txt


to spook you into a life long subscription, sort of a protection money setup.

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 14, 2025 6:15 AM in response to jetta9

well txt files can't execute any sort of code, really so txt files are harmless in themselves


if they were made by some malware then it would be a pretty poor naming convention the malware creators choose, as malware usually wishes to remain undetected.


if it was me then I would try using eTrecheck EtreCheck and let that scan


and then maybe also get the free version of malware bytes and let that scan Malwarebytes Antivirus, Anti-Malware, Privacy & Scam Protection


but no matter what then I would never begin some paid subscription of anything


many such malware /vira/... scanners would be prime suspect as creating files such as

f_malware.txt, f_tracking.txt


to spook you into a life long subscription, sort of a protection money setup.

Should I be concerned about 'f_malware.txt' and 'f_tracking.txt' files on my iMac?

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