"Type your password to allow networksetup to make changes" - what is this?

[jon08]

So I've been in China for two weeks now and have used this little proxy app to access sites like Facebook and Youtube. As of yesterday, when the app was about to connect to the proxy server, I always got this msg saying "type your password to allow networksetup to make changes."

I've been suspicious about it and refused to enter my password, but is there reason for concern? What exactly is it all about?

 

[angelwatt]

That's the kind of message that Mac gives when an application needs to make administrative changes to your system. Though I've never seen "networksetup" as an application, but appears it is the command line version. You can see it mentioned on this page that discusses a proxy.

 

[jon08]

That's the kind of message that Mac gives when an application needs to make administrative changes to your system. Though I've never seen "networksetup" as an application, but appears it is the command line version. You can see it mentioned on this page that discusses a proxy.

Yeah, the networksetup pic posted on that website is exactly what I get on my MBP! Should I rather not enter my pass?

 

[angelwatt]

Yeah, the networksetup pic posted on that website is exactly what I get on my MBP! Should I rather not enter my pass?

It's up to you. If things are working then I suppose you don't need to. Does the proxy work if you don't enter your info?