Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software [Error Solved]

If your Mac displays Apple cannot check it for malicious software, it signifies that the app you are trying to launch hasn't been authorized and may be unsafe to use. This article demonstrates how to fix the problem.

There are many layers or steps for processing Apps in Apple wherein they are checked for suspicious code. They are allowed if they are free of such codes. The App store lists only those apps that pass the safety checks ultimately. So if you are encountering the error "Apple cannot check it for malicious software" as a warning, it indicates that the app is threatening your Mac. Alternatively, it can also mean that the Developer could not run its app through the review process of Apple.

In most cases, the download proves to be safe. Instead, the error occurred because Apple needed to review the software. It is better only to consider such software verified as a general move. However, if you are sure of the safety of the software, you can proceed with its downloading by applying our suggested fixes to clear out the issue.

Or you can opt for the app's updated version or, alternatively, see whether there is some alternative app available.

2 Reasons: Why Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software

Apple is a well-equipped company that provides abundant and efficient software to its users that are safe to use. It uses Gatekeeper as one of the most embossed features as a malware defense. However, you may need to bypass this extra layer of protection provided by Apple's security system.

You may notice two main issues;

• macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware. The message indicates that the app was not authorized by the Apple store and is unsafe for users.
• Cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified. This message indicates that the Developer of the program is not registered with Apple.

So, as soon as you attempt installation of the app using the peculiar extended file attribute to the file, you will see Gatekeeper verifying it along with verification of the ID certificate of the Developer. It helps in ensuring the Developer's authenticity and identity. It also makes sure that the code is not corrupted or altered.

However, if the Gatekeeper finds that the app is self-signed, it will not be able to mark its recognition for the same and pops the notification saying, 'Apple cannot check it for malicious software.'

First, before moving to the fixes, let us know whether it is safe to launch an App on macOS that the system cannot verify. If not, what are the repercussions of such a step?

4 Ways: How to Fix Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software Error

With the advancement of technology, cybersecurity has sprung up as a basic necessity for users. You may come across certain features of macOS that look to be overprotective. However, if you are sure the app is tidy, you can abolish that "Apple cannot check it for malicious software." For this, we suggest four ways, but before moving with the fixes suggested below, ensure you keep your data security intact.

1. Fix 1. Utilizing Control Click Property
2. Fix 2. Change settings in Security & Privacy
3. Fix 3. Opening apps using Terminal
4. Fix 4. Allow Apps Downloaded from Anywhere

Fix 1. Utilizing Control Click Property

You may use a double tap on the app to open it, so instead of this, you can also try making a right tap on the app to launch it. It will ensure that you will get to choose the way to open the app despite seeing the security notification.

Steps to Use:

Step 1. Start by locating the installer package. Alternatively, you can look for the plugin you wish to open using your Mac.

Step 2. Make a right click on the option and make a selection for the "Open" option.

Step 3. Avoid the error appearing on the screen and tap on the "Open" option again.

Step 4. Now make an installation of the app. Then follow the instructions given on your screen.

Fix 2. Change Settings in Security & Privacy

When you are not able to open any application because of some unintended error, you may notice some other notifications hidden in the preference pane of Security and Privacy. The message you will see will be shown as "the app was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer." You may also see an alternative message: "system software from the developer was blocked from loading." You can make some changes in the settings regarding the messages on the screen.

Steps to Use:

Step 1. Start by opening the menu on Apple and then tap on the "System Preferences" option.

Step 2. Select the option of "Security and Privacy."

Step 3. Now locate the General tab and tap on the yellow padlock, then make an entry of your passcode.

Step 4. Now tap on the 'Allow' button. It will be given beside the message that reads the app was blocked from showing up or loading.

Step 5. Click on the "Ok" button.

Step 6. Tap on the option of "Open Anyway." You can find it next to a popup of an app that was not from a developer that is identified.

Step 7. Tap on "open" once you see the error.

Fix 3. Opening Apps Using Terminal

If you are unaware of this information, then we would like to share that each app downloaded on your system gets an attribute. The downloading software gives the attribute. So you can fix the "Apple cannot check it for malicious software" error by removing an attribute that helps alarm the Gatekeeper for app verification. For this, you need to make an execution of some commands using the Terminal with the necessary steps.

Steps to Use:

Step 1. Start by open the Terminal. You can do this by tapping on Finder and then tapping on Applications. Then click on the folder for Utilities.

Step 2. Now go ahead by typing the command as;

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine filepath

Then press the "Enter" key.

You have to replace the file path in the command with the file path of the app. For this, you must enter the Terminal Window by typing xattr -d com.apple.quarantine. You can move ahead by opening the folder where the app is stored. Then you can drag the app and drop it into Terminal.

Step 3. Now make an entry of your password and then press Enter key.

Step 4. Now, make a move by restarting your Mac device.

Step 5. Then start reopening the app.

Fix 4. Allow Apps Downloaded from Anywhere

If you feel that your issue is not getting resolved with any of the solutions mentioned above, then try this one. You can make the security feature disabled and allow the download of apps from anywhere. We advise you to switch on the feature as soon as the app installs and launches.

Steps to Use:

Step 1. Start by opening "Terminal." For this, you have to open Finder, tap on "Applications," and then tap on the folder for "Utilities."

Step 2. Then proceed with entering the command as:

sudo spctl –master-disable

Step 3. Now, go ahead with typing the password. Then press the "Enter" key.

Step 4. Start with the installation of the app, then open it.

Step 5. Once you get ready to enable the feature for security all over again, make an execution of the command given below in Terminal.

sudo spct1 –master-enable

PC users have proved the advantages of these fixes. If one of the methods is helpful to resolve the Apple cannot check it for malicious software issue, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms!

Extra Tip: Recover Lost Data When Your Mac May Be in Danger

Using any technical method on your Mac device, say, Terminal, may result in the corruption or deletion of your important files. It is a common scenario that results from abiding by complex procedures. Similarly, if you are downloading and opening any app that consists of malware, it can cause a virus attack. Alternatively, you may also face your system getting stuck on macOS. To deal with this situation, you require a data recovery tool specializing in this field that provides data security to users.

As a Mac user, you can use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac which is a compelling software for data recovery. The software was created to aid with the recovery of data that got lost because of the malfunctioning of a file system. It is a beginner-friendly software that helps novice users quickly recover files owing to its user-friendly interface.

 

These are some of the factors that make this tool necessary for file recovery and restoration. Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and its capabilities to help you recover deleted files on Mac once you've finished running your Terminal command. These are the procedures.

Step 1. Select the location to scan

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and choose the hard drive, SSD,  SD card, USB flash drive, or TF card where you lost data. Click "Search for lost files" to start scanning.

Step 2. Filter lost Mac data

The software will automatically scan for lost data on MacBook/iMac. When the scan completes, filter wanted data through the "Type" and "Path" buttons.

Step 3. Recover lost data or files

Double-click a file to preview it. Then, click the "Recover" button to restore the lost data to another place. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you will be able to fix your issue of "Apple cannot check it for malicious software" quickly with our suggested fixes. You can use Terminal, make changes in security and privacy, or utilize control click property. You can also allow for downloading apps from anywhere. The issue or notification occurs when the source is unauthorized, or there is some issue with actions from the Developer. Unless you are sure of the app, it is better to avoid it or look for its alternative.

We have also suggested a fabulous option in the form of the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to provide for an easy and quick recovery of your valuable data in simple steps. It works with an abundance of devices along with numerous formats. So next time you suffer a data loss, recover it with EaseUS.

Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software FAQs

Check out the following FAQs for throwing some light on any further queries related to the topic.

1. How to get rid of Apple Cannot check it for malicious software?

By changing your security preferences, you can easily bypass the 'Apple Cannot check it for malicious software.'

• Tap on the Apple logo and tap on System Preferences.
• Tap on Security and Privacy.
• Tap on the Allow button.
• Finish the process by launching your app.

2. How to know if a given app that hasn't been verified is safe?

If an app reaches the App store, the creator and its program get analyzed and permitted by Apple. If you trust the downloading source and are confident that it is not tampered then opt for overriding your Mac security settings for opening it. For this, opt for security and privacy options. Then, tap the button for 'Open anyway' from the General pane to confirm your action.

3. What to do when Mac says macOS Cannot verify that this app is free from malware?

In case your Mac says it 'cannot verify that this app is free from malware', it is better to avoid it. However, if you are sure of the app's authenticity, you can search for the app's updated version. Alternatively, you can see whether there is some alternative app available.

4. Does Mac have a built-in malware scanner?

Yes, your macOS is well equipped with built-in technology for antivirus. It is known by the name of XP protect and allows for detection based on signature and removing the malware. If you are looking for a third-party antivirus program, we recommend TotalAV, and this tool can definitely help you solve malware and virus issues.