🛡️ Apple Gatekeeper on macOS

What Is Gatekeeper?

Gatekeeper is a macOS security feature that ensures only trusted software runs on your system.

• Verifies apps are signed by a registered Apple Developer.
• Checks for Apple notarization.
• Blocks apps from unidentified or untrusted sources.

When triggered, Gatekeeper may display messages like:

• “App can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.”
• “App is damaged and can’t be opened.” (even when it's not)

🚫 Disable Gatekeeper (Temporarily)

Use with caution! Disabling Gatekeeper removes an important layer of macOS security.

sudo spctl --master-disable

To check the current Gatekeeper status:

spctl --status

To re-enable Gatekeeper:

sudo spctl --master-enable

✅ Create a Local Developer Signing Key

If you're developing or testing apps locally, you can sign your binaries to avoid Gatekeeper blocks:

Option 1: Generate a Self-Signed Certificate via Keychain Access

• Open Keychain Access.
• Go to Certificate Assistant → Create a Certificate…
• Name it Local Dev Cert.
• Set Identity Type: Self Signed Root
• Set Certificate Type: Code Signing

Option 2: Use It to Sign Your App

codesign -s "Local Dev Cert" /path/to/your/app

Alternative quick sign:

sudo codesign -s "My Dev ID" /path/to/your/app