Recently, Apple boasted a new update to the macOS operating system known as Sequoia. The update contains new changes to the Gatekeeper security feature, which are meant to prevent the execution of unauthorized software on Mac devices.
Gatekeeper has been part of macOS for several years now and serves as the first barrier to prevent the launch of dangerous applications. It confirms the identities of software developers and checks that apps are signed and verified by Apple before they are allowed to run. However, cybercriminals have found ways to bypass these protections, often by tricking users into overriding Gatekeeper warnings.
Apple Inc. is not sitting back and allowing this issue to go unnoticed with the release of macOS Sequoia. The company has taken the step of neutralizing the method that allowed users to avoid the Gatekeeper through Control-clicking on the application. However, it will only display the security information, and users will be able to provide permission to run the software only after going to System Settings > Privacy & Security section.
The change has been announced as macOS has recently been under attacks by cybercriminals more frequently. Most malware auditors have come up with strategies that enable them to sneak past the defenses and infect Mac computers. Essentially, by pulling the Gatekeeper controls, Apple has made it harder for such attackers to launch their attacks.
Altogether, the alterations brought out in the macOS Sequoia are the indication of Apple’s concern in safeguarding its users from growing threats of cyber-attacks. Thus, by enhancing the Gatekeeper, the company is paving the way to improve the overall security of the computing environment for Mac users.
