The “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error is one of those issues that can sometimes appear from time to time. Apple has taken things very seriously when it comes to user security and they are doing their best to try and help people avoid potentially dangerous tools. That’s why you always want to check and ensure you can use the app you downloaded. However, sometimes these errors are false positives, since there’s no issue with the app.
Why does the error appear?
Most of the time, the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error appears because Gatekeeper is unable to ensure that the app can be opened without any issues. Either the app comes from a third party website not approved by Apple or its digital signature is not valid. It’s imperative to figure out how to fix this problem, and thankfully the process is not as complex as you might expect.
Disable Gatekeeper
If you want to prevent the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error from appearing, one of the best methods that you can use is to disable Gatekeeper. You can go to Privacy and Security in the System Settings, and then you can allow downloads from Anywhere. That will allow installation for third party apps, however it also means you’re not protected against any spyware or malware.
In that case, you also want to have an anti-malware app or a Mac cleanup tool. If the apps you install have any type of malware, those tools will automatically identify malware instances. Then, they get removed right away, without any worries. It’s one of the best methods to consider if you’re looking to protect your device, while also installing apps that otherwise would not be allowed on your Mac.
Find a different, alternative app
The most security-conscious solution would be to try and find a different app. That sounds great, because you can go to the Mac App Store and usually find a suitable replacement. But that’s not always possible, especially for unique apps. It’s a good idea to try and find a replacement first, and then disable Gatekeeper and use all the steps mentioned earlier.
Tips to consider when you install third party apps
There are a few ideas to focus on when you install third party apps. You should only download apps from sources you trust, because many of them have lots of potential malware installed. On top of that, you should ensure that your Mac is always up to date with the latest version. Avoiding any random websites that can be potentially infected with malware is another thing to keep in mind. And yes, remember to use strong passwords.
All these tips and ideas can help prevent the “macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware” error, or you can find a way to avoid it. Make sure that you are constantly removing any signs of malware, otherwise it will spread throughout your computer and you will have to resort to a complete reset and other, very complicated solutions!
