Terminal entry command: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine file_path

I am afraid that if I enter this command into the my Terminal app, that my MacBook Pro (Big Sur circa 2014) will then be open to allowing malware onto my computer if by chance I click on something nefarious:


xattr -d com.apple.quarantine file_path


Am I correct in my concerns? Or, if the command is 'safe' to enter, can you tell what that command does for me?


I am asking this as the "xattr -d......" Terminal command was given to me by a very reputable vendor of ham-radio tools. I was told by them that it will then allow me do to download their tools to update their firmware on one of their handheld devices I recently purchased.


Here is a link to their download page if you wish to see it for yourself:

https://old.rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/stick-500/downloads/


Thank you,

Jim

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Feb 20, 2024 4:39 AM

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Feb 20, 2024 6:40 AM in response to Niel

Niel...thank you for your response....


The first sentence was very helpful as it confirmed my 'fears' ("That command causes the OS to skip the malware check for the file specified"). To me, your response is telling me NOT to implement that command.


The rest of your response, since I am not a technical sort of guy, wasn't as clear for me....

I wasn't really sure what your use of the word "it" referred to: it-malware? it-check? it-running the download.....


But....in the end, I am not entering the command....for me, it seems too risky to make the entry in the Terminal.


Thank you!

Jim

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Terminal entry command: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine file_path

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