Epson Scan 2 Utility Unable to launch after Nov 24 Update

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  

There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   

Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.

There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  

Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.  Read these two articles: Public VPN's are anything but private and Security Risks: The Dangers of Using Free VPNs (eccu.edu)

If we may ask ?

Exactly what does the user ( you ) believe this Sophos Home AntiVirus Software protecting the computer from ?

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that cannot be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.

Security. Built right in

Mac app security enhancements

 The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

Protecting against malware in macOS

There is Adware & Malware which will affect the computer and is generally downloaded from “ Shady “ Websites or Developers who Inject this software into the download.

From a well written User Tip from @Kurt Lang

What is malware? - Apple Community

Just to be sure, check the specifications of the cable router/modem you're using. The setups vary, though getting either without a built-in firewall is now pretty rare.

You may have a combo modem-router, which is what most are. Or, possibly a modem and router separately.

A modem only is just that. It connects you to your cable (or DSL) service and that's it. These devices typically only have two ports. One for the incoming phone line or coax cable, and an Ethernet WAN port to connect the modem to a separate router with an Ethernet cable. Some cable models skip the incoming port entirely and connect to your service via wireless to the nearest cell tower.

The modem may or may not have a built-in firewall, but often not as they expect you will use a router that does have one between you and the outside world. Connecting a modem only directly to your computer works, but if the modem has no firewall of its own, then you have no choice but to turn the OS firewall on.

The above is not as typical. Most services provide the user with a combo unit. The obvious clue it's also a router is they all have at least two Ethernet LAN ports on them to connect your computer and devices to.

You can also normally access the modem or combo unit settings in your browser. Almost all newer devices have built-in web pages for the settings. Somewhere in there you should find a page for the firewall settings, such as this one for a Motorola compatible modem/router you use with Xfinity/Comcast:

Assuming you're using a DSL or cable router, then you don't need the built-in OS firewall at all. The router's firewall is already performing that function, leaving the OS firewall with quite literally nothing to do.

For me the Epson scanner has been unreliable ever since I bought my printer about 10 years ago. I use the native image capture app and it's fine.

You should be circumspect about updating printer drivers. Do some research and make sure that they don't include updates to prevent the use of 3rd party ink.

I'm not angry. My response was just what I said. Why bring up your previous post at all?

1. Turning off the OS firewall fixed the problem.
2. Your last suggestion to reinstall the Epson software is then pointless. It would do nothing to fix the problem since it was already confirmed the firewall was the cause.

Not unexpected, but good to confirm.

So yes, you do not need the OS firewall on. It would be doing nothing.

That I agree with. Since our router does any firewall activity needed, I've never had any reason to look at the OS firewall to allow certain apps to pass data. But it's very simple…

If the OS firewall isn't already on, enable it. Click the Options button. Click the + button to add any app you want the firewall to ignore.

Well, I don't run any AV software other than what is already in macOS Sequoia 15.2, and I have exactly the same problem where the Epson Scan 2 Utility will try to open/connect to scanner, and will then immediately shut down. The scanner and the Epson Scan 2 Utility were working perfectly before the Nov 2024 macOS update. I've updated to the latest Epson scanner drivers, but this does not help. However, I am still able to print to the Epson printer (Epson ET-3750 printer/scanner) using the Epson Print Utility. Looks like there is something in the latest macOS update that could be causing this problem.

I’m aware that macOS is more secure than windows, but historically has not been entirely immune from viruses.

You can't protect yourself from what doesn't exist. There are no Mac viruses. None. Zero. Zip. Nada. Not unless you're referring to OS 9 and earlier.

Antivirus software adds additional protection and peace of mind.

The only thing AV software does is interfere with the operation of the OS and take money from you for zero return.

I'm using the latest version of macOS on an M4 Pro mini. I don't normally even look at these included Epson apps since I use SilverFast for all of my scanning. But I did launch both Epson Scan 2, and Epson Scan Utility 2 just to check. They both work without issue.

This was also no issue with an M2 Pro mini I recently replaced that was running the same current version of Sequoia.