How to Restrict App Installs on your MacBook
Gatekeeper is Apple’s built-in security feature that prevents untrusted or malicious apps from being installed on macOS.
What Is Gatekeeper on Mac?
Gatekeeper is Apple’s built-in security feature that prevents untrusted or malicious apps from being installed on macOS. By default, it only allows apps downloaded from the Mac App Store or verified developers. You can modify these settings to install third-party apps while maintaining security.
Why Change Gatekeeper Settings?
Adjusting Gatekeeper settings helps:
- Allow Apps from Third-Party Developers – Install apps outside the Mac App Store.
- Increase Security – Control which sources can install software.
- Run Legacy or Custom Apps – Allow older apps or those from trusted developers.
About the author
Vijayalaxmi D, Senior Cyber Security News Writer
Vijayalaxmi D is Senior Cyber Security News Writer at Demysti5. She covers the consumer side of cybercrime: scam patterns as they emerge, the social-engineering tactics behind today's biggest losses, and the practical, plain-language defences that actually change behaviour. Her writing focuses on Australian readers and the regulatory, banking, and cultural specifics that generic global security content misses.
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