XProtectRemediatorPirrit is asking me for my password !?

[PsykX]

So yesterday I had a popup from a process called "XProtectRemediatorPirrit" asking me for my admin username and password.
It did not say anything else. Just wanted my password.
I just dismissed it, but it appeared again today. I'm kind of concerned now.

I know XProtect is some kind of hidden Anti-virus + Anti-malware built right into macOS.

But first of all, I'd be really surprised to have malware or viruses on my computer. I don't visit fishy websites and I'm not into torrents and illegal downloading. I pay my stuff.
Second, can any developer just create a process called "XProtectRemediatorPirrit" and ask me for my password? How can I know this is authentic and from Apple itself?

I'm running macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 (23E224).
Mac Mini M2 Pro.

Here's my processes in Activity Monitor (after I dismissed the popup though...)

 

[Apple_Robert]

Nothing to worry about. You should enter your password.

Apple has just released updates to XProtect and XProtect Remediator

Apple has just released updates to XProtect Remediator security software (Catalina or later), bringing it to version 132, and to XProtect (for all macOS from El Capitan or so) bringing it to versio…

eclecticlight.co

 

[PsykX]

But why would it ask for my username and password?
I thought this thing was 100% transparent for the user. It doesn't say explicitly what my password will allow.

This might in the end be a design issue from Apple. When you ask for sensitive information, at least tell the users why you need it and the repercussions of not complying.

 

[Apple_Robert]

But why would it ask for my username and password?
I thought this thing was 100% transparent for the user. It doesn't say explicitly what my password will allow.

This might in the end be a design issue from Apple. When you ask for sensitive information, at least tell the users why you need it and the repercussions of not complying.

Credentials are asked for when a part of (or whole) OS needs to update. It also is required for specific deep level OS action. As I said, there is no cause for concern here, although it was an excellent idea to ask on the forum.

 

[KaliYoni]

But first of all, I'd be really surprised to have malware or viruses on my computer. I don't visit fishy websites and I'm not into torrents and illegal downloading. I pay my stuff.

Just a couple of quick thoughts:

• The comments to the Eclectic Light Company post that is linked above have information, including responses from the site owner, that might help you to decide what to do. Further, Howard Oakley (the site owner) is very well respected throughout the Mac troubleshooting community.
• There are many ways for hostile software to get on your devices. Even if you only visit "trusted" websites, for example, ad banners—which are commonly served up by companies other than the site owner—have become a common vector for infections. So in my view, personal vigilance is important but has become a less effective defense than it used to be.