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SecurityAgent using 70-100% of CPU

A process called 'SecurityAgent' is using up a ton of CPU since I upgraded to Catalina. I also upgraded all the apps I use from Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office.


As a result, my MacBook Pro is constantly running hot and I've had issues with shutting down too. It has frozen a couple of times.


It does this whilst running no apps or Time Machine backup so I don't know what it's trying to do.


Does anybody have any recommendations?



(Other than buying a new mac).


Thanks

Will






MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 2, 2020 9:37 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 2, 2020 9:44 AM

Does this occur for a different user, e.g., Guest? How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac.


Does this occur after starting up in Safe Mode?


Consider the possibility of a third party software conflict.  EtreCheck can be used to investigate what is installed.

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8 replies

May 12, 2020 8:01 AM in response to CT

Well, that was enlightening. Adobe leaves a ton of stuff strewn about your Library folder. I still have Abode Flash lurking in places as well.


I've dealt with the major issues already, but it does pick up a few app crashes. Including my ‘SecurityAgent‘ friend for high CPU use. I've attached the report for reference.


I have a couple of unassigned files, along with some suspicious looking browser plugins (deleted), a raft of 32-bit apps and an out of date kernel extension. Other than that, it looks pretty healthy.


I just need some advice on how to deal with those four app crashes. I don’t want to delete anything just in case.


I was going to update my system to 10.15.4, I’m not sure if that will help?


Thanks again

Will


May 1, 2020 4:53 AM in response to MrMonoboy

I tried a PRAM reset and booting up in safe mode. That got get rid of it.


But I now have a new issue on startup. A process called 'Installer Progress' is taking up 98% of my CPU and time. My MacBook sounds like an Airbus A320 and it's hot to the touch.


No apps running, no devices attached. I removed my external monitor and external HD to test.


It appears to be _root process and part of the system library. I'm worried that this might be a significant problem.


If i force quit it, my mac runs as normal. Does that sound familiar to anyone?



Thanks again.

Will


Apr 3, 2020 3:47 AM in response to CT

Thanks for the reply CT.


Thankfully, it hasn't replicated today after a shutdown and re-boot this morning. Whatever it was has resolved itself.


I'm guessing it has something to do with some sort of background authentication issue with the software I'm using.


If it happens again, I'll try a Guest account and Safe Mode.


Best

Will

May 12, 2020 2:56 AM in response to MrMonoboy

The ‘SecurityAgent’ issue has crept up again. The process just seems to hang and use up all of my CPU until I force quit. In addition to the ‘Installer Progress’ process. I followed the suggested steps but couldn't replicate the issue. It seems to be periodic on startup. Some days it's fine.


I tried leaving it to run, but my machine becomes seriously hot and unusable.


I uninstalled my Google Backup and Sync app as that was also a massive resource hog but the problem persists. (I thought it might be connected to that).


I can force quit them and carry on, but I'm guessing there is an underlying issue with my OS.


I'm a freelance graphic designer, my livelihood is reliant on this computer and I can't afford to replace it or have any down time at the moment. My concern is, it'll just give up the ghost on me one day. Leaving me entirely screwed.


So if anybody has the time to reply, it would be much appreciated.


Thanks

Will





SecurityAgent using 70-100% of CPU

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