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Bitdefender system extension blocked in macOS

This article describes how to troubleshoot Bitdefender system extension blocked in macOS after installing Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools.

Bitdefender uses system extensions on macOS to ensure Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools cannot be tampered with and to provide Content Control and Device Control functionality.

Until the user approves the Bitdefender system extension, BEST tamper protection, Content Control and Device Control modules do not work. Also, BEST user interface shows a critical issue.

Note

System extensions do not require approval if they are replacing previously approved extensions.

Issue

Immediately after installing BEST on macOS, the operating system shows the following warning:

"System Extension Blocked

The application "SecurityNetworkInstallerApp tried to load new system extension(s). If you want to enabled these extensions, open Privacy & Security in System Settings."

system_extension_blocked_67943_en.png

Note

You may receive one or several System Extension Blocked warnings, depending on the number of protection modules installed with Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools.

If the endpoint user does not allow the Bitdefender system extensions to load, BEST user interface displays the "You are at risk" warning.

best_mac_main_window_issues_67943_en.png

Solution

When you receive the System Extension Blocked warning message, follow the steps described below.

On macOS Sequoia

  1. Open system settings on your Mac.

  2. Go to General > Login Items & Extensions.

    system_extension_blocked_sequoia_01_67943_en.png

  3. Scroll down to Extensions and open Network Extensions.

    system_extension_blocked_sequoia_02_67943_en.png

  4. Click to enable SecurityNetworkInstallerApp.app.

    system_extension_blocked_sequoia_03_67943_en.png

  5. Enter your system admin credentials and click OK to confirm the change.

    system_extension_blocked_sequoia_04_67943_en.png

  6. After enabling the network extension, click Done.

    system_extension_blocked_sequoia_05_67943_en.png

On older macOS versions

  1. Open system settings on your Mac.

  2. Go to the Privacy & Security section.

  3. Scroll down to Security and click Allow for the blocked system software from Bitdefender.

    The Security section under Security & Privacy in macOS Ventura

    mac_security_allow_system_extension_67943_en.png

Note

The Allow button may be disabled in these situations:

  • You access the computer remotely.

  • A remote connection is open or was recently open. You may need to restart the computer to enable the Allow button.

  • You use a third-party application to emulate mouse or trackpad, such as MagicPrefs, BetterTouchTool, Synergy. Close the application to enable the Allow button.

After allowing Bitdefender system extension, BEST user interface informs you that your Mac is safe.

mac_safe_67943_en.png

Important

System administrators can use MDM to whitelist specific system extensions and thus suppress these warnings. For more details, refer to these Apple resources:

GravityZone console does not currently provide information about Mac endpoints with unapproved Bitdefender system extensions. It is recommended to disable Silent Mode to make sure users can view the issue if they ignore the system prompt.

Important

In macOS, BEST requires additional approvals from users besides system extensions. For details, refer to this topic.

In this section: