A weird file that is turned on and allowed in the background

I found out an item from unidentified developer. It’s in my login items and extensions and it’s turned on and allowed in the background. And I don’t recognize that file. The name is launch_common.sh. Says item from unidentified developer. Just wanted to make sure that it is not a malicious file. I really appreciate your feedback and help. Have a wonderful day.

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Dec 27, 2024 10:58 AM

Reply
7 replies

Dec 27, 2024 11:14 AM in response to Maxim___g

The file in question resides within the "Audinate" folder which is the name of the app or developer for the app you you installed at some point. So either the app is called "Audinate" or it is called "ConMon". "Audinate" sounds like some sort of audio based software, but I have no clue.


Keep in mind you will see a lot of scary things within the macOS Privacy & Security System Settings because of the way Apple shows various items there is severely broken with no way of associate which app some of those items belong. But they are all there because you (or someone you allowed to use your unlocked computer) installed & used those items.

Feb 18, 2025 7:27 AM in response to Maxim___g

Maxim___g wrote:

May I ask you, what it takes for the Mac to be free of viruses or other malware?

Don't turn off the built-in security. Ideally, don't install any software that would compromise the built-in security either. Just so you know, any 3rd party software constitutes some level of security degradation. App Store apps are the least risky. 3rd party "security" and "privacy" apps that require your administrator password to install are the most risky. But this is all relative risk, the actual, objective level of risk is still low.


People install actual malware on purpose in order to run some expensive app for free or access a game, streaming video service, or sporting event for free. They have to bypass multiple levels of Apple security in order to do this.


Apple's security is based on the "gatekeeper" model. You have to authorize any installation. If an installer looks fishy, Apple tries hard to dissuade you from installing. But in the end, Apple will allow you to install what you want. Once you do that, apps have more or less free rein do to what they want with their own data. Apple still provides protection for your personal data, which you can choose to disable.


But in many cases, 3rd party apps don't update their software for years, or even decades. That's what you are seeing here. It's a sign that the developer really isn't committed to the platform. You can expect problems with this software at any point in the future, if not now. Technically it may still work. But customers like yourself are likely to disable it. Then the app won't work. That will make people less likely to pour their money into that app. And that will make the developer less likely to support the app in the future. When you see these "unknown items" in your list of background apps, that's a sign that the developer has either given up on the app, or has a plan to make you pay for an upgrade.

Jan 1, 2025 11:55 AM in response to HWTech

well, I only press install from Apple and known developers. Like universal audio, etc. May I ask you, what it takes for the Mac to be free of viruses or other malware? Because I see that none of those "Paid programs" Like MacPaw, Norton Security and others are just there to suck up your money, but they don’t do much.

I know that there is a reset thing, but there is really nothing else?


And thank you so much for your reply. Happy New Year’s and have a wonderful day.

Jan 1, 2025 5:34 PM in response to Maxim___g

Maxim___g wrote:

May I ask you, what it takes for the Mac to be free of viruses or other malware?

By not installing junk (you did list some of the junk apps), and by installing only the third party apps you really need to use and by practicing safe computing habits as outlined in the following excellent article which I think everyone should read:

Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community


Feb 22, 2025 8:00 AM in response to Maxim___g

Audinate is the maker of Dante software, including Dante controller, Dante via, Dante virtual sound card

Not exactly sure what it does, but the last time I went to open Dante, I got an error message saying it couldn’t connect to Conman The only fix I could find was to download the new version of Dante controller which that ran great for about 10 hours and then crashed and I’m trying to figure out how to get it back up now.

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A weird file that is turned on and allowed in the background

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