Should I allow this? Backup and Sync from Google“ wants access to control “System Events“

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Level 1

6 points

Should I allow this? Backup and Sync from Google“ wants access to control “System Events“

I keep most of my data files on Google Drive and regularly sync so they are available on my Mac Book Pro and also on my iOS devices. I am also a long-time user of Gmail as my primary mail account. Ever since I updated to MacOS Mojave 10.14.4, I regularly get a pop-up query and I don't understand what the outcome will be if I allow it or if I deny it.

I use the G-Drive service strictly for data files, mostly work-related documents and products.

I don't use G-Drive for photos and other media, such as music or audiobooks. They remain with the MacOS and Mac iOS environment.

I am hoping someone more technically conversant in this community can advise me in plain English exactly what is covered in "System Events" and the impact of each choice on my ability to save and auto-sync files to the G-Drive.

Thank you.

Anne Mowat

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.14

Posted on May 5, 2019 2:20 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

May 5, 2019 2:51 PM in response to AnneMowat

If you want to set automatic syncs or backups with Google, then you need to enable System Events. System Events is a background application that is used quite lot in scripting.

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Answer 2

May 13, 2019 7:40 AM in response to techguy5000

"If you do not enable this feature, however, you will not be able to use Backup and Sync."

That's where you're wrong. It works just fine if you click "don't allow."

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Answer 3

AnneMowat Author

Level 1

6 points

May 5, 2019 2:53 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you for this quick response Kappy. A Question: Will enabling access affect my security and is there a higher risk or is it simply enabling continuity of services available through previous versions of MacOS?

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

May 5, 2019 3:03 PM in response to AnneMowat

Since I know nothing of Google's security other than it has none, this will not affect security on your Mac. Although you provide Google the ability to access your system (unrelated to System Events,) Google has no interest in protecting your data.

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Answer 5

May 5, 2019 2:58 PM in response to AnneMowat

Hi AnneMowat! I would recommend that you do allow Backup and Sync to control System Events. I have been using Back-up and sync for about five years now and never had any problems with it! If you do not enable this feature, however, you will not be able to use Backup and Sync. If you are using G-Suite, then you also have the option of using Google Drive File Stream which might work better for you!

Hope that is helpful!

Tyler Nichols

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Should I allow this? Backup and Sync from Google“ wants access to control “System Events“

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