What is GateKeeper?

macOS includes a technology called Gatekeeper, which ensures that only trusted software runs on your Mac or software that you know is from a trusted source.  When software is downloaded from the Internet Gatekeeper will notify you that the software was downloaded from the Internet and ask you to verify that you want to open the software. 

GateKeeper Notifications

Example One

An app that has been notarized by Apple indicates that it passed a security check:

Example Two

Apps that haven’t been notarized show a yellow warning icon:

Installing app from unidentified developer

If you’re certain that an app you want to install is from a trustworthy source and hasn’t been tampered with, you can temporarily override your Mac security settings and open it.

  1. Go to the Finder

  2. Control-click the app

  3. Choose Open from the menu. A dialog box will appear, click Open

  4. Enter your admin name and password when prompted

The app is now saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it, just as you can any authorized app.



If there are any questions or issues please contact IT Services