So there I am, trying to update a Garmin Fenix 5X. I plug it in. MacBook won't see it. I try the usual fixes. I try different Garmin cable. I try restarting the watch. I spend about ten minutes trying to just update the older watch. Nada.

I'm about ready to damn the older watch as unfit for duty. Then, as I am closing various windows on the laptop dual monitors, I see a small window. It reads "do you want to allow this accessory to connect?"

Unbelievable. A window demanding my immediate attention buried below all the other windows.

And, even more stupid, it is "shields up, Mr. Sulu" stupid. Anything that touches the device is blocked.

I know, I know. What if I had a USB stick with malware or virus or heaven forbid the launch codes to the missiles on it. What if I let that touch my precious MacBook?

What are the chances of that? Less than 100%. Less than 0.0000000000001% in truth.

So, I learned. You can turn OFF the stupid device security in the computer settings. I recommend that you do this. So you can connect your Garmin watch. If you launch missiles as a result of sticking a USB drive into your machine, that's on you.

It's a feature, and you 'may' be surprised to learn that it works both directions on Apple devices. My iPhone displays a similar message when I connect it to my Windows PC to transfer photos. Just a little speed bump in the 'we know what's best for you' security paradigm of the Apple ecosystem.

As Mr. L8R noted, this can be disabled in Settings. But remember, the folks who are reading this thread are probably heads and shoulders above the typical device user, in terms of security awareness. Them missiles ain't cheap; we should reserve them for when we really need them.