Helper Tool Installation Requests from Proton Pass and Signal in Lockdown Mode on MacBook

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Hi everyone,

I have a MacBook that is currently in Lockdown mode, and I’m using a standard user account. Recently, I’ve been receiving frequent requests during updates from Proton Pass and Signal to install a Helper Tool.

I’m curious if this is normal behavior for these applications. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any mentions of this on Reddit or other forums, and it’s making me a bit concerned about security.

Has anyone else encountered similar requests? Is this standard practice for these apps, or should I be worried?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

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I don’t use macOS, but can you provide a screenshot of that “Helper Tool”? Thanks :smile:.

Seems like some Evernote users also have that thing, is that the same kind of popup you had?

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Apparently, judging from this website below, it’s primarly needed for auto-updates, it even mentions Signal, so maybe I’m in the right path?

However, if the application itself is designed to install additional Helper Tools at the time of launching the app, then the user gets prompted because the app is running as the user, which doesn’t have elevated permissions. I think Slack, Signal, and WhatsApp try doing this to install an auto-update Helper Tool.

Hope this helps! :smile:

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I didnt see it as much from proton but yeah the signal thing is pretty annoying.

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:eyes: Seems like it’s not only a Proton Pass/Signal problem.

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SCR-20240807-mjff
if cancel
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Proton pass has the same (Install Helper Tool window)

Reddit findings about Slack Helper Tool

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:link: source "Slack is trying to install a new helper tool" popup twice a day. WTF? - r/Slack

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Okay, so I’m actually correct, it’s used for auto-updates.

Try doing this command in the terminal as suggsted:

ls -la /Applications/Signal.app

(I guess, not sure of the actual location of the app)

And see who’s the current owner and let me know.

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Indeed, my Mac also asks for this prompt for most apps including brave, Firefox, signal, and so on. Tbh, I am wondering if there is another way for auto update unless you install apps from Mac store.