Malware Pop-Ups after upgrading? Never fear ..

Lately, we’ve had customers coming in with malware issues after upgrading to Mac OS Catalina. This is due to the enhanced security in Catalina, which scans all programs for malware and other malicious content. It’s a GOOD thing, right? Well, usually it is .. but if there’s been malware hiding, you may need some assistance to get secure again. TechRestore can help! Our software repair service is just $75 and for a limited time, we’re offering 10% off this time and frustration saving service.

macOS Catalina may be the most secure platform for Mac users so far. And it will continue to improve. You can thank Gatekeeper and the thoughtful programmers and designers for the increased security and decreased slow downs.

Gatekeeper is the outer layer of security in macOS and is designed to keep malicious software from running on your Mac. It ensures that all new apps you install (from the App Store or the internet) have been checked for known security issues by Apple prior to running for the first time and periodically after that.

The new default security policy (notarization) in OS Catalina requires four checks on all software. The four checks are: Does it contain known malicious content? Has it been tampered with? Is it signed by a developer with ID? Does the user want to run it? (This last check is where you will usually get the pop-up asking if you want to run it.)

Once a program has passed after initial scan (for new and existing software) it will run faster, since it won’t have to pass through Gatekeeper multiple times. Of course, you can allow exceptions. If you download programs from a source you trust that doesn’t hold an Apple Developer ID, they won’t pass the Gatekeeper. You will need to allow the app manually in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.  Locate the blocked app, click “Open Anyway” and when the pop up appears again, select “Open”. This will allow the app to open in the future just by double-clicking, just like any authorized app.

If you like to “nerd out”, you can watch the WWDC “Advances in macOS Security” session from June of this year.