Apple Gatekeeper: Difference between revisions
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'''Gatekeeper''' is a security technology built into Apple's macOS operating system designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on a user's Mac computer. First introduced in Mac OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) in 2012, Gatekeeper checks applications downloaded from the internet for known malicious content before allowing them to run. While promoted as a security feature to protect users from malware, Gatekeeper has also been criticized for restricting user freedom and reinforcing Apple's control over software distribution.<ref name=":0"> | '''[[wikipedia:Gatekeeper_(macOS)|Gatekeeper]]''' is a security technology built into Apple's macOS operating system designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on a user's Mac computer. First introduced in Mac OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) in 2012, Gatekeeper checks applications downloaded from the internet for known malicious content before allowing them to run. While promoted as a security feature to protect users from malware, Gatekeeper has also been criticized for restricting user freedom and reinforcing Apple's control over software distribution.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Gatekeeper and runtime protection in macOS |url=https://support.apple.com/guide/security/sec5599b66df/web |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Apple Support}}</ref> | ||
==Consumer impact summary== | ==Consumer impact summary== | ||
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===Hidden "Anywhere" option (2016)=== | ===Hidden "Anywhere" option (2016)=== | ||
In macOS Sierra (10.12), Apple removed the "Allow applications downloaded from: Anywhere" option from the Security & Privacy settings, making it harder for users to disable Gatekeeper restrictions. While technically still possible to disable through Terminal commands, this change represents a deliberate effort to obscure user choice and make it more difficult for average users to exercise control over their own computers.<ref> | In macOS Sierra (10.12), Apple removed the "Allow applications downloaded from: Anywhere" option from the Security & Privacy settings, making it harder for users to disable Gatekeeper restrictions. While technically still possible to disable through Terminal commands, this change represents a deliberate effort to obscure user choice and make it more difficult for average users to exercise control over their own computers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gatekeeper (macOS) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatekeeper_(macOS) |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref> | ||
===Mandatory notarization requirement (2019)=== | ===Mandatory notarization requirement (2019)=== | ||
In macOS Catalina (released in 2019), Apple made it mandatory for all software distributed outside the Mac App Store to be "notarized" by Apple to run without Gatekeeper warnings. This controversial move required all developers to submit their applications to Apple for review before distribution, effectively extending Apple's gatekeeping role beyond its own App Store to all Mac software.<ref> | In macOS Catalina (released in 2019), Apple made it mandatory for all software distributed outside the Mac App Store to be "notarized" by Apple to run without Gatekeeper warnings. This controversial move required all developers to submit their applications to Apple for review before distribution, effectively extending Apple's gatekeeping role beyond its own App Store to all Mac software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stokes |first=Phil |date=11 Sep 2019 |title=What is macOS Notarization? – An Easy Guide 101 |url=https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/maco-notarization-security-hardening-or-security-theater/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=SentinelOne Blog}}</ref> The change gave Apple unprecedented control over third-party software distribution on macOS, forcing developers to comply with Apple's terms or risk their software being blocked by default. | ||
===Achilles vulnerability (2022)=== | ===Achilles vulnerability (2022)=== | ||
In December 2022, Microsoft researchers revealed a vulnerability in macOS, dubbed "Achilles" (CVE-2022-42821), that allowed attackers to bypass Gatekeeper security features. This vulnerability exposed the limitations of Apple's security model and raised questions about the effectiveness of its restrictive approach.<ref> | In December 2022, Microsoft researchers revealed a vulnerability in macOS, dubbed "Achilles" (CVE-2022-42821), that allowed attackers to bypass Gatekeeper security features. This vulnerability exposed the limitations of Apple's security model and raised questions about the effectiveness of its restrictive approach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 Dec 2022 |title=Gatekeeper’s Achilles heel: Unearthing a macOS vulnerability |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/12/19/gatekeepers-achilles-heel-unearthing-a-macos-vulnerability/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=Microsoft Security}}</ref> Despite Apple's emphasis on security as the justification for its restrictive Gatekeeper policies, the discovery highlighted that these restrictions hadn't necessarily resulted in an impenetrable system. | ||
===Developer signing requirement barriers (ongoing)=== | ===Developer signing requirement barriers (ongoing)=== | ||
Since Gatekeeper's introduction, Apple has required developers to pay for an annual Apple Developer subscription ($99/year) to obtain a Developer ID certificate necessary for distributing software outside the App Store that doesn't trigger Gatekeeper warnings. This creates a financial barrier for independent and open-source developers who may not be able to afford or justify this recurring expense.<ref> | Since Gatekeeper's introduction, Apple has required developers to pay for an annual Apple Developer subscription ($99/year) to obtain a Developer ID certificate necessary for distributing software outside the App Store that doesn't trigger Gatekeeper warnings. This creates a financial barrier for independent and open-source developers who may not be able to afford or justify this recurring expense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@vish90 |date=Jul 2019 |title=App notarized but Gatekeeper still shows app as untrusted |url=https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/120016 |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Apple Developer Forum}}</ref> The requirement effectively monetizes the right for developers to distribute software without their users experiencing security warnings. | ||
===Blocked legacy software (ongoing)=== | ===Blocked legacy software (ongoing)=== | ||
With each major macOS update, Apple has increased Gatekeeper restrictions, often rendering older software unusable without complex workarounds. Many users have found themselves unable to use legitimately purchased software after OS updates, as Gatekeeper blocks unsigned or un-notarized applications. This has forced users to either avoid system updates (potentially exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities) or repurchase software, effectively devaluing their previous purchases.<ref> | With each major macOS update, Apple has increased Gatekeeper restrictions, often rendering older software unusable without complex workarounds. Many users have found themselves unable to use legitimately purchased software after OS updates, as Gatekeeper blocks unsigned or un-notarized applications. This has forced users to either avoid system updates (potentially exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities) or repurchase software, effectively devaluing their previous purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@paolo |date=21 Aug 2012 |title=Gatekeeper and the rise of the Total Apple Consumer |url=https://www.molleindustria.org/blog/gatekeeper-and-the-rise-of-the-total-apple-consumer/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=www.molleindustria.org}}</ref> | ||
===Internet connection requirement controversy (ongoing)=== | ===Internet connection requirement controversy (ongoing)=== | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Right to Repair]] | *[[Right to Repair]] | ||
* [[Walled Garden Ecosystems]] | *[[Walled Garden Ecosystems]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||