Disable GateKeeper
👉 Overview
👀 What ?
GateKeeper is a security feature of the MacOS operating system by Apple. It enforces code signing and verifies downloaded applications before allowing them to run, thereby reducing the likelihood of inadvertently executing malware. Disabling GateKeeper might be necessary in some situations, for instance, when installing certain software not from the App Store.
🧐 Why ?
Understanding the function and potential risks of disabling GateKeeper is crucial for all MacOS users. It is a fundamental aspect of MacOS security and helps to protect the system and data from malicious software. However, there might be instances when GateKeeper prevents the installation of legitimate software, hence knowing how to temporarily disable it can be beneficial.
⛏️ How ?
To disable GateKeeper, open Terminal and type 'sudo spctl --master-disable'. This command requires administrator privileges. After executing the command, you will be able to install applications from any source. To re-enable GateKeeper, use the command 'sudo spctl --master-enable'. It is advisable to keep GateKeeper enabled whenever possible to maintain system security.
⏳ When ?
GateKeeper was first introduced in MacOS Mountain Lion in 2012. It's important to remember that disabling GateKeeper should be a temporary measure during the installation of trusted software and should be re-enabled as soon as the task is complete.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
GateKeeper is a central security feature of MacOS, developed by Apple. It functions by scanning applications that are downloaded from the internet for known types of malware. Additionally, GateKeeper also verifies whether the software comes from a recognized developer or the App Store, which are the two sources considered safe by MacOS.
The primary function of GateKeeper is to protect users from inadvertently installing malicious software. It does this by defaulting to only allow software installations from the App Store or recognized developers. This reduces the risk of exposure to potentially harmful software.
However, there are instances where users may need to install software from sources not recognized by MacOS. In such cases, GateKeeper can be temporarily disabled. But, it's important to note that disabling GateKeeper removes the security checks it performs. This allows for the installation of applications from any source, potentially exposing the system to malware if the source is not trustworthy.
Therefore, it's crucial to only disable GateKeeper when necessary and for as short a time as possible. It's also paramount to ensure that the source of the software to be installed is trustworthy. Once the necessary software installation is complete, GateKeeper should be re-enabled to restore the security checks.
The commands to disable and enable GateKeeper are executed in Terminal. To disable GateKeeper, the command is 'sudo spctl --master-disable', and to re-enable it, the command is 'sudo spctl --master-enable'. Both commands require administrator privileges.
In conclusion, while GateKeeper is a crucial security feature of MacOS, there might be instances where it needs to be disabled. In such cases, users should proceed with caution and ensure they re-enable GateKeeper as soon as possible to keep their system secure.
For example, let’s say you need to install a trusted application that is not available on the App Store or from a recognized developer, and GateKeeper is preventing the installation. Here is how you would temporarily disable GateKeeper:
- Open Terminal: You can do this by clicking on the magnifying glass at the top right corner of your screen and typing in "Terminal". Click on the Terminal application to open it.
- Disable GateKeeper: Type the following command into Terminal and press Enter:
sudo spctl --master-disable. This command tells your system to disable GateKeeper. The "sudo" part of the command means it's a superuser command that requires administrative privileges. - Enter your password: Since you're using a "sudo" command, Terminal will ask for your password. Type in your password and press Enter. This step is required to confirm that you have the necessary permissions to execute this command.
- Install your software: Now that GateKeeper is disabled, you can proceed with installing the application that was previously blocked.
- Re-enable GateKeeper: After you've installed your software, it's important to re-enable GateKeeper to continue benefiting from its security features. You can do this by typing the following command into Terminal and pressing Enter:
sudo spctl --master-enable.
Remember that disabling GateKeeper should only be done when necessary and you should always ensure that the software you are installing is from a trusted source.