How to verify Files are Free of Malware on Mac

Go into System Settings/Privacy&Security and scroll down to the Security area.

You should see the file named and if you fiddle around (technical term!) you may find the option to disregard the warning and open it.

I am having this same issue with plain text markdown (.md) files that I created. I did not download them from the internet. Haven't found a solution other than to go into settings and ignore it, but macOS keeps popping up the same notification whenever I try to open similar files.

I'm guessing its a bug or something. I just installed Sequoia 15.1.1 today so maybe it's from that.

That appears to be an alert from Apple Gatekeeper, a security component of macOS:

Gatekeeper and runtime protection in macOS - Apple Support

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Something about the file looks suspicious to the system. Do you know and trust the source of that image. If downloaded from the internet, it is already suspect.

You can disregard it. If you are afraid you installed some malware download the evaluation copy of Malwarebytes and check your system. NEVER EVER install any third party:

• Antivirus
• Cleaning
• Security
• VPN
• Maintenance

apps on your Mac though.

To tell me the full story, I went to change Apple IDs on my Mac mini. When I push delete account, I realized I had not taken a couple file folders off my desktop. I attempted to put the original Apple ID back onto the Mac mini, but the files were gone so I had somebody in my office search and they found the three files and retrieve them. These files are full of past documents and photos that I created myself. These did not come from the Internet. On her computer, the files open on my computer I got the warning about Apple not being able to verify that it is free of malware. The file folders and its content look original, but the icons will not open.

Thank you for your reply, but telling me to disregard it doesn’t help. I have three file folders on my desktop that all contain multiple documents or photographs and none of them will open because of this warning. I’m looking for a way to turn off this protection.