How to resolve Apple cannot check it for malicious software Error Message

Introduction

Gatekeeper is one of the most important technologies that run on the entire Mac OS versions. The special design to check and confirm only the trusted program or software is running on your Mac computer. Sometimes, users may also prefer to install some third-party programs or software on their computer. If so, you may receive an error message “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” during installation. The software that is not certified will raise an error “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” while accessing it.

If you are manually allowing installing the apps may bring potential risks from virus or malware. Most of the programs, you may try to install might be legit and accessible. But still, you should download the current version from its official or authorized website for installation.

Apple cannot check it for malicious software – Troubleshooting Steps

Make use of the following method to easily open the applications or programs on your computer. If so, you will not receive the “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” error message:

Procedure 1 – Works fine for Mac OS Catalina

Follow the below steps:

• First of all, you need to access the Terminal app
• Navigate to Terminal option within the Applications menu.
• You can easily remove the particular app from the quarantine by using the xattr option
• Make use of the following command: $ xattr -d com.apple.quarantine <app-path>

The options for allowing the entire third-party programs or applications will be removed by Apple. After the Mac OS Catalina release, Apple has removed the “Anywhere” option from the “Security & Privacy Settings” menu. This will not allow the users to download any third-party applications from anywhere. Moving forward, only permitted or allowed individual applications should be installed on your Mac OS.

Procedure 2 – Right Click on the App

Follow the below steps:

• Instead of double tapping the particular app, you must right-click on the app and choose the Open option.
• If so, you will see the “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” error message. But still, you can view the other options for opening or accessing the particular application.

Procedure 3 – Open Anyway

Follow the below steps:

• On your Mac computer, just access the System Preferences option
• Navigate to the Security & Privacy Settings menu.
• Tap the option “Open Anyway”

This will allow you to access the third-party applications or programs on your computer without any issues.

Apple cannot check it for malicious software – Reasons

After the Mac OS Catalina Update, most of the applications or programs will receive the notarization issues. Apple has provided only limited certification for applications and also restricted privacy policies in the Apple App Store. Still, there are numerous workarounds available but, user may feel uneasy to install any third-party applications or programs. Due to this, users may receive “Apple cannot check it for malicious software” error message while installing third-party applications.

Mac OS – Opening Apps with Additional Tips

Apple has specially designed this Gatekeeper or Gateway method for your Mac protection from any malicious malware. The protection based on installing other packages, plug-ins, and apps from any third-party App Stores. The Developer ID signature is checked by the MacOS for the software verification within the identified developer. Each program is required to be notarized by the Apple MacOS.  You can consider the below-mentioned general tips for accessing apps safely on your Mac OS Catalina:

Uninstall not working programs or apps

This is another most important option for uninstalling the not working apps or programs on your Mac OS Catalina.

32-bit Apps are not Allowed

Apple has decided to stop the installation of 32-bit apps or program on their Mac OS Catalina. Hence, you should aware on app version before installing the same on your Mac computer.

Stay away from any Malicious Programs or Apps

Apart from the above troubleshooting process, Apple has numerous restriction standards for protecting the Mac system from malicious apps. If you are viewing an error message then never try again to install the apps on your computer.

Mac OS – Opening Apps Safely

For your Mac operating system, the Apple App Store is the safest and the best place to download apps. Before uploading the apps, it is properly review & check from Apple. They should ensure that app is not altered or tampered before signs or acceptance. If there is any issue with the particular app then it will be removed quickly by Apple from the store. Mac OS will protect continuously by checking whether you are installing or downloading apps from a developer or through internet.

The protection based on installing other packages, plug-ins, and apps from any third-party App Stores. The Developer ID signature is checked by the MacOS for the software verification within the identified developer. By default, each program is required to be notarized by the Apple Mac OS Catalina. Be confident that the apps running on your computer will never include any known malware. First time while accessing the app, Mac OS will prompt a request for your approval to ensure that the running software is not misled.

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