Constant "malware blocked" notification on 2024 MacBook Pro

QuestSearch is known adware. Usually distributed through fake Flash Player update notices.

You can do two things. One is to download and run the free version of MalwareBytes for Mac. It should be able to find and remove this old adware. Once done, MalwareBytes is easily removed from your system by using the uninstall option in its menus.

Or, you can follow these steps.

About those " will damage your computer" … - Apple Community

elliottroberts wrote:

• Searched for any files with the below name (none came up)

Any advice on how to get this to stop?

You won't be able to find it. It could be literally anywhere on your computer.

However, there is a configuration files that is most likely in one of the following locations:

~/Library/LaunchAgents

/Library/LaunchAgents

/Library/LaunchDaemons

Sometimes people just screen shot Finder windows from those three locations and post them. People who've seen these a lot can easily tell which files are malware. All you have to do is remove the config file. Obviously Apple is already blocking the executable itself. It would be nice if Apple removed the config file too, but I guess that will never happen.

I can't make any other recommendations I'm afraid.

elliottroberts wrote:

• Hi! I am receiving a constant "malware blocked" message that shows up about every 9 seconds. It started while I was browsing a recipe online. Here's what I've already done with no luck:

Software update

• System restart

• Reset Chrome settings

• Turned wifi off and back on

• Deleted Cache from last 24 hours

• Looked through applications folder for anything abnormal

• Checked downloads folder and deleted any files from today (and emptied trash)

• Searched for any files with the below name (none came up)

Any advice on how to get this to stop?

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/b5848dc5-4424-43b1-a593-05ce770e1ae1

It is unclear— is there a third party AV application installed?

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS

try a different browser and compare your results...

ref: https://developer.chrome.com/blog/private-network-access-update/

elliottroberts wrote:

What are third party AV applications and how would I know if I had any?

AV=Anti-Virus

A "third-party AV application" refers to antivirus software that is developed by a company other than the operating system manufacturer, meaning it's not the default antivirus program that comes with your computer.

try a different browser and compare your results...if Chrome is your issue.

ref: https://developer.chrome.com/blog/private-network-access-update/