Malware causing password pop ups

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro running Monterey 12.6.7. There is malware installed that is causing a host of problems. One of them is that when I try to delete or install certain apps (BitDefender being one) or modify system preferences, or sample a process in Activity Monitor, it launches a fake password dialog window prompting for credentials.

I believe the malware is making use of the BitDefender Antivirus program. I have tried terminating its process in the hope that I could then delete the app but it restarts immediately.

I want to know how to stop these dialog windows from launching.

I’d be grateful for any advice you can offer.