What is Gatekeeper in macOS? Here explain the Gatekeeper in macOS and how to set it.
 |
| Image by Pexels from Pixabay |
What is Gatekeeper in macOS?
Gatekeeper is a macOS built-in security feature that ensures the software run on the system is trusted.
Gatekeeper explanation.
You can check the setting under >System Preferences...>Security & Privacy>General tab. You see the "Allow apps downloaded from:" section, the default setting only allow the apps install from App Store, which is the safest option for a novice user and Apple's most beneficial way.
You can switch the setting install from App Store and identified developers instead of App Store only. This option gives you a wide variety of choices. You can continue to download apps from the App Store, but not every developer wants to publish their app to the App Store and paid a 30% commission to Apple. The other way for the developer to reach the customer is to create a website, set up a payment gateway, and a download point for their own. When you download and install the apps from the web, the Gatekeeper does the job to verify the apps are from the identified developers, notarised by Apple.
The below demonstrate how to switch it between the settings:
-
Firstly, click the lock icon on the left corner.
Unlock to make changes.
-
Type in the password you used on the login screen and click unlock.
Enter the password you used on the login screen. -
Now, you can choose between App Store or App Store and identified
developers.
Choose between 2 modes. -
Lastly, don't forget to click the lock icon again to prevent further
changes.
Lock it back to prevent further changes.
Turn off Gatekeeper for the advanced user.
Some users may think the Gatekeeper has too many restrictions, especially for the advanced user. They will type some commands on the Terminal to turn the Gatekeeper entirely off. So, They can install any software as desire.
Freedom comes with responsibilities. Once the Gatekeeper has been disabled, malicious software can harm your computer and compromise your privacy. Think twice before you execute the below commands to disable Gatekeeper:
- First, Open the Terminal.
-
Type in
sudo spctl --master-disableand hit the Enter key. It will ask for the password you used on the login screen. After type in the password, hit the Enter again. The GateKeeper is turn off now. -
Type
spctl --statusto check the Gatekeeper status.
-
Lastly, don't forget to turn the GateKeeper back.
Type insudo spctl --master-enableto enable it back.
Wrap-up
In conclusion, GateKeeper is a self-describing name. It keeps the users away from the malicious software. For a novice user, you can choose two modes to install apps. Install from the App Store or both App Store and identified developers from the web. I will recommend the last mode because it provides more options for you. For the expert or advanced user, you can disable the GateKeeper and install any apps you want. I hope you learn something from this article.
