How do I find or download XProtect on iMac?

Tamlouie wrote:

I need to know how to get it back. A supposed apple agent removed it over the phone as a “security protocol” when looking for bugs. I am in a fix now as I have been duped.

No, you don’t.

Erase the entire install, restore from a prior-to-breach backup (if one exists), and change all passwords and passkeys, enabling two-factor authentication where available and not already enabled.

Efforts to identify and remediate breached components and to identify potential backdoors is a doomed strategy.

Imac27army wrote:

How do I find or download XProtect on iMac?

You don't. It's built into macOS and is automatically updated by Apple.

If you want more information about XProtect, see this section of the Apple Platform Security Guide -> Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

Tamlouie wrote:

I only discovered this morning that in System Settings he subtracted the XProtect from files and folders and full disk access. I don't know how to put it back though.

In macOS Sequoia (15.7 as indicated in your original post), XProtect does not appear in either of those lists. Are you certain they had appeared there in your case?

XProtect is a core component of macOS and I do not believe there is any way to remove it.

If you want further evidence that it is present & running, go to System Settings > General > System Report. In System Report go to Software > Installations. In the Installations list, scroll down to see the entries about XProtect. Look for the most recent date/time for XProtectPayloads. The latest date I have on my Mac is 1/29/26. What is the latest date on your Mac?

And, by the way, in the Etrecheck report you posted in the other thread, it shows that security is enabled on your Mac. That would include XProtect - the "Antivirus software: Apple" is XProtect.

Security:

Gatekeeper: App Store

System Integrity Protection: Enabled

Secure Boot: Full Security

Antivirus software: Apple and Malwarebytes

Also, you are running macOS Tahoe (26.x) not Sequoia (15.7)

Please see: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256235131

Also see the screenshot below from your EtreCheck report.

XProtect Updates are performed with the XProtectPlistConfigData installation. Yours should be version 5326, although version 5327 is in the works. You can verify the version currently running on your device by going to the Terminal app in your Utilities Folder. Enter this exact command and you will then be required to enter your computer password. When you enter the password, nothing appears on the screen so just enter it and hit Return:

sudo xprotect check

I suspect yours will look something like this showing that version number:

Current update: date: 2026-01-22 19:13:41 +0000 version: 5326

More likely it was just disabled. I do not believe it can actually be removed.

Go to System Settings > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Make sure "Install Security Responses and system files" is enabled.

Had you allowed the "supposed agent" to directly access your Mac via the internet ... or were you just on a phone call following instructions from them?

MrHoffman wrote:

No, you don’t.

Erase the entire install, restore from a prior-to-breach backup (if one exists), and change all passwords and passkeys, enabling two-factor authentication where available and not already enabled.

Efforts to identify and remediate breached components and to identify potential backdoors is a doomed strategy.

Or, to quote Ellen Ripley (Aliens), "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."

My apology, but I did not start the thread. I don't have Sequoia, but Tahoe 26.2.

The latest date/time for XProtectPayloads for is 11-04-2024.

Also, I did see him go into my settings/privacy & security online. He removed XProtect from the Files/Folders and then the Full Disk Access and had asked me I knew what it was, and when I said no, he said well we should remove it just in case. I would think a true Apple tech would know what XProtect was before making such a comment/action while trying to search for security issues.

If I understand from the info description Files & Folders and Full Disc Access, the XProtect is there to protect the Files and Folders and Mail, Messages, Safari, Time Machine Backups, and certain administrative settings. Removing it from those places seems to indicate misconduct.

Automatic updates are enabled as you described.

Yes, I had allowed remote access to my Mac via the internet while on the phone with him. I only discovered this morning that in System Settings he subtracted the XProtect from files and folders and full disk access. I don't know how to put it back though.

I have another discussion going on what transpired titled: How can I verify the security of my MacBook after an Apple tech remained remotely logged in?

Tamlouie wrote:

My apology, but I did not start the thread.

I see that now. When you joined this thread it appeared to me that you were continuing the conversation and I missed that you were not the original poster (the OP).

XProtectPayloads with an 11-04-2024 date makes no sense to me on a Tahoe system. Your Etrecheck report indicates "2026-01-23 XProtectPlistConfigData (5326) - Software update" which indicates the last update was on Jan. 23, 2026.

I think it would be best at this point to use your own thread exclusively, so I'm going to stop participating in this thread here.

Understood about single thread use.

You had asked me:

... In the Installations list, scroll down to see the entries about XProtect. Look for the most recent date/time for XProtectPayloads. The latest date I have on my Mac is 1/29/26. What is the latest date on your Mac?

I was answering that specific question for the XProtectPayloads which showed "The latest date/time for XProtectPayloads for is 11-04-2024", and it is for Tahoe 26.2. I had seen in utilities the date you posted from the Etrecheck, but it wasn't what you asked for. Since I am at a technology deficit, I try to follow instructions carefully and as asked, and thought you were asking to look for the most recent date/time for XProtectPayloads. I did not mean to frustrate, and do appreciate the help and support.

Truthfully, I'd like to do that, but feel pretty certain doing the first steps is beyond me. (I don't even know what is meant by "erase the entire install") The latter part I can certainly do after. I am guessing I'd need to trust calling Apple again for support on the first part unless there is a link that could be provided that could explain that process?

I understand what you mean about the doomed strategy. Just know I am grateful for the walk of knowledge given to get to this point.

I need to know how to get it back. A supposed apple agent removed it over the phone as a “security protocol” when looking for bugs. I am in a fix now as I have been duped.

My apology, but I did not start the thread. I don't have Sequoia, but Tahoe 26.2.

The latest date/time for XProtectPayloads for is 11-04-2024.