Gatekeeper refers to a security feature implemented in operating systems, most notably in macOS by Apple. This feature is designed to control the installation of applications to protect users from potentially harmful software. Here's a detailed overview:
History and Context
- Introduction: Gatekeeper was first introduced with macOS Mountain Lion (version 10.8) in 2012. Its primary purpose was to mitigate the risk of downloading and executing malicious software from the internet.
- Evolution: Over the years, Gatekeeper has evolved with enhancements in security policies, user control options, and integration with other macOS security features like XProtect and Notarization.
Functionality
- Permission Levels:
- Allow Applications Downloaded from: Users can choose to allow apps from the App Store only, from both the App Store and identified developers, or allow apps from anywhere (though this last option was removed in macOS Sierra and later).
- Identified Developers: Developers must sign their apps with a certificate issued by Apple, which verifies the developer's identity and the app's integrity.
- Checks: When an app is first opened, Gatekeeper performs several checks:
- It verifies if the app is from the App Store or signed by an identified developer.
- It checks for malware against Apple's database.
- It ensures the app hasn't been tampered with since it was signed.
- Notarization: Since macOS Mojave, Gatekeeper requires apps to be notarized by Apple. This means the app has undergone a security review process, making it less likely to contain malicious code.
User Experience
- Warnings: If an app fails Gatekeeper's checks, macOS will display a warning to the user, giving options to either cancel the installation or proceed with caution.
- User Control: Users can override Gatekeeper through System Preferences or by using the command line, although this is not recommended for those unfamiliar with macOS security settings.
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