Apple’s macOS Sequoia Tightens Gatekeeper Controls to Block Unauthorized Software

A recent upgrade strengthens Gatekeeper, making it more difficult to get around security protections and stop unapproved software from operating.

With the release of macOS Sequoia, a major update to Apple's operating system, the Gatekeeper security component now has stronger restrictions. This next-generation macOS, which is scheduled for release next month, promises to improve security against unapproved and potentially dangerous software.

Gatekeeper, a core component of macOS designed to prevent malware, traditionally allows users to override security warnings by Control-clicking an app. However, with macOS Sequoia, this bypass method will no longer be available. Instead, users must navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security to review security information before running any unverified software.

This change is part of Apple's effort to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including stealer malware and backdoors. The tightening of Gatekeeper's controls comes in response to incidents such as the July 2023 North Korean cyberattack, where attackers used an unsigned disk image masquerading as a legitimate service to compromise macOS systems.

The update aims to mitigate risks associated with unsigned and tampered apps by requiring users to engage with a more robust security review process. As such, macOS Sequoia represents a substantial step forward in Apple's ongoing commitment to user safety and cybersecurity.