Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
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Mac App Store.
Select this option to allow only apps that you download using the Mac App Store.
This is the safest option in that it pretty much guarantees no malware, but it does mean you're stuck with
the selection available via the Mac App Store.
•
Mac App Store and identified developers.
Select this option to allow apps that you download using
the Mac App Store and apps that have been digitally signed by a registered Apple software developer.
This is the default option and it's probably the easiest way to go because it gives you more flexibility
while remaining reasonably safe. However, until most developers get their apps signed by Apple, it
might cause problems by not allowing you to install certain apps.
•
Anywhere.
Select this option to allow all apps on your MacBook Air. Note that when you select this
option, OS X asks you to confirm, as shown in Figure 12.4. If you're sure you want to open your
MacBook Air to all app comers, click Allow From Anywhere to make it so.
Why do I describe the Mac App Store and Identified Developers as “reasonably” safe? Because the fact that an app is
digitally signed does
not
mean it's 100 percent safe. Rogue developers could still register with Apple, digitally sign
their malware, and then distribute it. The security certificate does mean that as soon as the malware is detected the
certificate becomes invalid, which prevents the malware from spreading, but not before it has infected your MacBook
Air.
12.4
If you tell Gatekeeper to allow just any old app onto your MacBook Air, OS X asks you to confirm.
