Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
I removed com.apple.Webkit.networking.xpc from firewall access, but I’m reading different things online. What can I or should I do?
MacBook Pro
What can I or should I do?
If you are asking about the macOS application firewall, the answer depends on exactly what you are expecting it to accomplish for your needs. Refer to Change Firewall preferences on Mac.
Well, what was it that made you deny it?
It exists from Apple in 2 places...
/System/Library/StagedFrameworks/Safari/WebKit.framework/Versions/A/XPCServices/com.apple.WebKit.Networking.xpc
/System/Library/Frameworks/WebKit.framework/Versions/A/XPCServices/com.apple.WebKit.Networking.xpc
I don’t like to download random software off the web. I saw the “com.apple.Webkit.networking.xpc” in my firewall settings in connection allowed. I googled it, and saw a lot of contradiction. I ended up hitting the - icon. And it was gone, but I’m still not sure what it was, good or bad. The internet has not been able to answer me.
It's Apple's protection... com.app.webkit.networking.xpc being not blocked should be extra protection, without it it's like you have 2 choices... NO don't open the door at all, or YES, open the door without knowing who it is, with it running/enabled it's like... what's the secret word before I open the door.
This is a copy and paste answer from a previous post asking about the same thing. That doesn’t make much sense. Why would Apple even allow the user such an option. So now that I removed it from my firewall access, how can I reinstall, re-enable or what have you?
And while I appreciate your feedback. I just want to know if it makes a difference or not. While your statement is quite clear. I don’t see that making a difference. All the security settings on safari are on and updated.
You didn't really delete anything, you removed it from a list, if you checked that Automatically box I would suspect it to show up on the list someday, no idea how often it checks for malware updates, but you can also use the + icon to put it back.
What if all connections (Firewall) are blocked?
Forgive me, where are we going with that? Do you mean block all but essential connections, to lock out the Internet totally?
It would be easier if you simply disconnect that Mac from the Internet. Turn off Wi-Fi and disconnect its Ethernet cable.
You still did not explain what you expect the macOS application firewall to do for you.
D00msday wrote:
Alright. Well, and again I’m not to savvy when it comes to tech. But isn’t the firewall meant to protect your “connection”?
The macOS application firewall blocks incoming connections other than those required by macOS or apps requiring connections. It was implemented so that when corporations and other institutions contemplate mass purchases and deployments of Macs in their organizations, and their "IT" executives ask if their products include a firewall, consultants can say "Yes. Yes it does." The IT gurus don't know what it does, but the answer placates them. The word "firewall" itself is misleading—there is no fire and there is no wall—but its presence soothes them.
I know, because I'm the one who gives them that answer. I also have many Macs, nearly all of which are connected to the Internet 24/7/365.25 and never found a need to use it.
If the Mac(s) you are using are clients on a LAN managed by a router that you own and control, and you share that LAN only with users you know and trust, enabling the application firewall will only result in your own inconvenience. It is not intended for, and cannot be relied upon to protect your Mac from malware intrusion.
Thanks for the explanation. I was under the impression that the Firewall was meant to protect my Mac from malware or any type of “hack”. But I guess I was wrong.
A firewall is a network management tool. It's purpose is to isolate parts of the internal network to limit access to only necessary connections.
There is also a firewall that isolates the internal network from the internet.
If you are connected to a Network Address Translation (NAT) router, then you have a "firewall" that isolates your Mac from the internet. With a properly configured router, nothing on the Internet can see your Mac.
There is no need for the Application Firewall on your Mac.
It's used to detect Malware...
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8620438?answerId=34140399022#34140399022
Thanks for the insight. I just get overly anxious about stuff like this. As far as blocking I was referring to the image attached
Yeah I don’t think I’m going to download that . I saw this yesterday during my research. Any further insight would be appreciated. Also I have never had any extensions on my Safari Browser.
I understand. But so are thousands of other programs that can effect your machine negatively. I just want to know what it is? And if I made the right call by removing it from my Firewall access.
I removed com.apple.Webkit.networking.xpc from firewall access.
