How to turn on Gatekeeper to run only trusted apps

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MalwareMedium priority

About 5 minutes to complete

Make sure macOS is set to allow apps only from the App Store and identified developers, so unverified software can't run without your say-so.

Step-by-step guide

Go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security.
Scroll to Security.
Set 'Allow applications from' to 'App Store and identified developers'.
If an app is ever blocked, only override it if you are certain it came from the developer's official site.

4 steps

Why this matters

Gatekeeper is your Mac's first check against malicious software. Left on its safe setting, it blocks apps from unknown sources before they can run.

How to confirm it worked

The setting is saved and active on your device
You have tested it works before closing the page

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