I suspect you have malware or adware installed: - If you installed antivirus software, it is the root of the problem, I'll say. - Remove all third-party antivirus, VPN, and optimization software. - all known to interfere with Mac's built-in security and cause troubles with macOS + Profiles under System Preferences Click inside of it, then cross off all the suspicious items. (If no profiles are detected, this Preference pane won't be available.) + Additionally, make sure you are not using a SOCKS proxy: Uncheck the box under "Proxy" in "System Preferences>Networks>Advanced" in "Ventura" under "System Settings." Without user involvement, adware/malware launch daemons can configure SOCKS proxies. (SOCKS is an Internet protocol that allows clients and servers to communicate by exchanging network packets via a proxy server.