iMac, OS X 10.11
OK, back to the other computer with more support links bookmarked. Babowa is correct—it is about installing third-party software. The advisory is shown in this Apple support document:
Safely open apps on your Mac - Apple Support
However, the word "search" included with your message could mean this is an attempt for scammers to highjack your search engine. I would not approve that request but rather first check for adware.
The quickest yet safe way to check for adware for the average user is MalwareBytes (https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac). The free version is run manually, which may be all you need at this point. Malwarebytes is the work product of a long-serving and valued member of this community.
OK, back to the other computer with more support links bookmarked. Babowa is correct—it is about installing third-party software. The advisory is shown in this Apple support document:
Safely open apps on your Mac - Apple Support
However, the word "search" included with your message could mean this is an attempt for scammers to highjack your search engine. I would not approve that request but rather first check for adware.
The quickest yet safe way to check for adware for the average user is MalwareBytes (https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac). The free version is run manually, which may be all you need at this point. Malwarebytes is the work product of a long-serving and valued member of this community.
Please read Removing "Search Marquis" / "Search Baron" / etc on your own - Apple Community, and post the three screenshots it describes in a reply to this Discussion.
You do not need to download or install anything to fix it.
If you are interested in proceeding on your own, you will find the files responsible for that dialog in the following two locations:
~/Library/LaunchAgents/
/Library/LaunchDaemons/
The folder that actually contains the problematic code will be found in
/Library/Application Support/
... but by all means post those screenshots if you want step-by-step instructions.
Can you confirm this is happening with the older iMac running macOS 10.11 as shown in your equipment profile? I am still researching this but I do not recall it being an issue with OS versions as old OS 10.11.
I have a newer 2021 iMac, running Sonoma 14.0, 10-2-23. The warning just popped up stating that "ApolloSearchDaemon will damage your computer". It states "this file was downloaded on an unknown date". I never download anything I'm not sure about. It shows two options: Show in Finder and OK. I didn't find it in Finder and when I click on OK, the warning does not go away. I have tried signing out of iCloud and logging back on.
I think it was the message you got if you were trying to install third party app without allowing installs "from anywhere"??
Warning message from Apple: ApolloSearchDaemon will damage your computer.
