I received a dialog box on my Mac mini asking me if I would allow GenUtility to access my Contacts. I later get another dialog box asking me if I would allow fmpd access to something, maybe Contacts. I didn't allow access, but I would like to know what those are. I didn't think Apple allows third party software on Mac mini without me downloading them first. I don't remember downloading those things.
Mac mini, macOS Mojave (10.14)
Correct, I told my computer to only let App Store apps run, but before that, it had the option to install anything
McAfee acknowledges the "contacts" access violation as a "Known Issue/Product Defect" (fmpd, n.d.) and is going to change fmpd and other programs in the future (fmpd, n.d.). See options and description/fixes below.
For any users who have seen FMPD: Yes, I just installed McAfee and fmpd asked me for permission to see my contacts. In the past, McAfee protected me from other programs accessing my contacts, that is why I installed it again. I told mcafee no.
As far as Viruses. Yes, my MacBook got a Trojan style virus recently after installing Adobe Flash. Next, I found three apps installed without permission. Luckily, flash is going away soon. Flash was required by a school link, but the version provided was not from Adobe, at least not the other apps with it. F-Secure did not remove historic / TMP files so I am hoping McAfee fairs better.
As far as Contacts, I have had random utility apps try to access my contacts before. Unfortunately, I had run one of them without antivirus at first. I probably lost my contacts to someone out there.
Hope that people can maintain some privacy.
From McAfee:
"fmpd or GenUtility would like to access your contacts or photos
Document ID: TS102882
'Problem
When you try to install McAfee security software for Mac, such as LiveSafe or Total Protection, or run it for the first time, you might see one of the following messages:
· "fmpd" would like to access your contacts.
· "fmpd" would like to access your photos.
"The message looks like the following:
<<Image located on McAfee site>>
[ “fmpd” would like to access your contacts. ]
[ ? [Don’t’ Allow} [OK] ]
"You might also see these variations of the message that reference other McAfee components:
· "McAfeeMacInstaller" would like to access your contacts.
· “GenUtility” would like to access your contacts.
"NOTES:
· This issue occurs only on macOS Mojave (10.14) or later.
· You might also see the above messages when you are uninstalling or removing your McAfee software from your Mac.
Cause
The messages shown above are displayed because of changes in the way that macOS Mojave manages access to operating system components that might contain personal information, such as:
· Your Mac's location
· Your photos
· Your contacts
· Your calendar and reminders
· Your camera
· Your microphone
"Starting with macOS Mojave, when an app tries to access any of these items of information, you are prompted to allow or deny access.
"Solution
McAfee does not need access to your contacts or photos, and so this issue will be fixed in a future software update to our Mac security software. In the meantime, use the Workaround shown below.
"NOTE: Some apps use your personal information to provide you with additional services and features. For example, an app might use your contacts to help you address emails or share messages with friends.
"Workaround
When you see one of the messages shown above:
1. Click Don't Allow. McAfee security software for Mac does not need access to your photos or contacts.
2. Restart your Mac.
"If you have already authorized access to your photos or contacts, you can revoke this access at any time by following the steps below:
1. Click the Apple menu icon on the top left of your desktop.
2. Click System Preferences.
3. Click Security & Privacy.
4. Click the Privacy tab:
5. <<Image located on McAfee site>>
6. Click the lock icon at bottom left and type your password. System Preferences unlocks.
7. Click Contact and deselect fmpd or any other McAfee services.
8. Check the other items, such as Photos, and perform the same steps to revoke access to any McAfee services if you have previously granted them access.
"You can learn more about controlling the personal information that you share with apps by viewing this Apple Support document" ("fmpd or GenUtility would like to access your contacts or photos." (n.d.). Customer Support: Knowledge Center. Retrieved from McAfee KB - fmpd or GenUtility would like to access your ...OR https://service.mcafee.com/webcenter/portal/cp/home/articleview?locale=en_US&articleId=TS102882).
once I download BlueStacks so I downloaded then the mcafee security told me that you a virus and then when I deleted it. 5 minutes later it told me do you want fmpd to assess your contact and calendar and I clicked don't allow so apple please make any thing to stop this problem because I am already scared about my iMac.
I called Cox which supplied McAfee. They said McAfee does this so they can backup your contacts in case you delete them.
No thanks. McAfee never clearly asked, and if they had, I would have said no.
What are GenUtility and fmpd? They want access to private things.
