CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Applications and SoftwareEasy
A user is attempting to install a new application on their macOS computer, but the installation fails with a message indicating that the application 'cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.' What macOS security feature is preventing the installation?
- ASIP (System Integrity Protection)
- BFileVault
- CXProtect
- DGatekeeper
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper is a macOS security feature that helps protect users from malware and potentially malicious applications by ensuring that only trusted software from identified developers or the Mac App Store can be installed and run by default.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. SIP protects system files and processes from modification, not application installation from unidentified developers.
- B. FileVault encrypts the entire disk, it does not prevent application installation.
- C. XProtect is macOS's built-in antivirus, which detects and blocks known malware, but the message 'unidentified developer' points to Gatekeeper.
macOS Gatekeeper
A security feature in macOS that verifies downloaded applications to ensure they are from identified developers or the Mac App Store.
- Prevents untrusted applications from launching by default.
- Users can override it for specific applications via System Settings/Preferences.
- Helps protect against malware and unauthorized software.
Memory trick: The Gatekeeper stands guard at the application gate.