Safe Third-Party App Use on macOS

This guide shows you how to install and use third-party apps on macOS without compromising your security or privacy. You’ll learn how to vet apps before downloading, check their permissions, and manage the risks of software from outside the App Store. No prior technical knowledge is needed, just a few minutes of attention before you click “Install.”

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later (for Gatekeeper and privacy features described here).
• An administrator account (the one you normally use to install software).
• A basic understanding of what the app is supposed to do (e.g., a PDF editor, a system cleaner, a game).

Step-by-Step

1. Stick to the Mac App Store first. Apps from the Mac App Store are sandboxed and reviewed by Apple. They run with limited access to your system. If the app you need is there, download it from there. It’s the safest option.
2. If you must go outside the App Store, research the developer. Before downloading, search for the app’s official website. Check if the developer is a known company or individual with a track record. Look for reviews from reputable tech sites (like Macworld or The Verge) or user forums like Reddit’s r/macapps. Be wary of apps with no web presence or very few reviews.
3. Download only from the official source. Never download from third-party download sites (like Download.com or Softpedia) unless you’re sure they’re reputable. These sites sometimes bundle adware or outdated versions. Always go to the developer’s own website and find the download link there.
4. Check the app’s digital signature. After downloading, right-click (or Control-click) the .app file in your Downloads folder and select “Open.” If you see a message like “Apple could not verify this app is free of malware,” it means the app is not notarized. It’s safer to delete it. If you see “Open” as an option, the app is signed and notarized, which is a good sign.
5. Read the permissions it asks for. When you first launch the app, macOS will ask for permission to access things like your camera, microphone, contacts, or files. Be suspicious if a simple calculator wants access to your contacts. Deny any permission that doesn’t make sense for the app’s function. You can always change these later in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
6. Use Gatekeeper to your advantage. By default, macOS only allows apps from the App Store and identified developers. If you try to open an app that’s not signed, you’ll see a warning. To open it anyway, you’d need to right-click and select “Open,” then confirm. This is a deliberate speed bump. Only do this if you’ve verified the app thoroughly.
7. Keep the app updated. Once installed, enable automatic updates in the app’s preferences if available. Security vulnerabilities are patched in updates. An outdated app is a security risk.
8. Monitor the app’s behavior. After a few days, check if the app is using excessive CPU or memory (Activity Monitor). Also, check if it’s sending network traffic you don’t expect (you can use a tool like Little Snitch, but that’s advanced). If the app behaves oddly, uninstall it.
9. Uninstall properly. To remove an app, drag it from Applications to Trash. But many apps leave behind preference files and caches. Use a dedicated uninstaller (like AppCleaner) or manually delete files in ~/Library/Application Support and ~/Library/Preferences. This reduces clutter and potential leftover scripts.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring the Gatekeeper warning. If macOS says the app is from an “unidentified developer,” that’s a red flag. It doesn’t mean the app is malware, but you should be extra careful. Many users click “Open Anyway” without thinking.
• Downloading from pop-up ads. Search for “PDF editor” and you’ll see ads for fake download buttons. Always go to the official site, not the ad.
• Giving admin privileges to a random app. Some apps ask for your password during installation. That’s normal, but if an app asks for your password after installation for no reason, that’s suspicious.
• Not checking the app’s permissions after an update. An update might request new permissions. Review them.
• Assuming all apps from the Mac App Store are perfect. They’re safer, but not immune to bugs or privacy issues. Always read the privacy policy.

Tips

• Use a dedicated user account for testing. Create a standard (non-admin) user account and install suspicious apps there first. If it breaks something, your main account is safe.
• Check the app’s website for a privacy policy. If the app collects data, the policy should say what and why. If there’s no policy, that’s a bad sign.
• Look for open-source alternatives. Open-source apps (like VLC, GIMP, or Audacity) have their code publicly available for security review. They’re often safer than closed-source apps from unknown developers.
• Use a VPN when downloading from public Wi-Fi. This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks during download.
• Back up your Mac regularly. Time Machine is built-in. If an app corrupts your system, you can restore.

Troubleshooting

• App won’t open because it’s damaged or unverified. This often happens with apps downloaded from the internet. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. If there’s a message about the app, click “Open Anyway.” If that doesn’t work, the app may be corrupted. Re-download it. If it still fails, the app is likely incompatible with your macOS version.
• App crashes on launch. First, restart your Mac. If it still crashes, check if there’s a newer version. If not, the app may be incompatible with your macOS version. Check the developer’s website for system requirements.
• App asks for permissions it shouldn’t. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and revoke the permission. The app should still work, just with reduced functionality. If it refuses to run without that permission, uninstall it.
• macOS says the app is not optimized for your Mac. This means the app is 32-bit or old. It may still run, but it’s a security risk. Update or replace it.
• You suspect malware. Run a malware scan using a trusted tool (like Malwarebytes for Mac). Also, check for unfamiliar login items in System Settings > General > Login Items. Remove anything you don’t recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to use apps from the Mac App Store? Generally, yes. Apple reviews them for malware and enforces sandboxing. However, reviews are not perfect, and some apps have been found to collect data they shouldn’t. Always read the privacy policy.
2. What does “notarized” mean? Notarization is Apple’s automated scan of an app for known malware. It’s not a guarantee of safety, but it means the app is less likely to be malicious. Apps from the App Store are always notarized, while apps from the web may or may not be.
3. Can I trust apps from GitHub? GitHub is a platform, not a store. Anyone can post code there. Check the repository’s stars, issues, and whether the developer is known. Many legitimate open-source apps are on GitHub, but so is malware. Be cautious.
4. Should I use a third-party antivirus on macOS? macOS has built-in protection (XProtect and Gatekeeper). For most users, it’s enough. If you download a lot of third-party apps, you might consider a second opinion, but it’s not necessary for everyone.
5. How do I know if an app is spying on me? Check Activity Monitor for high CPU or network usage. Also, review permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security. If an app has access to your camera or microphone and you’re not using it, that’s a red flag. Use a network monitor like Little Snitch to see what it sends.
6. What’s the safest way to install a third-party app? The safest way is to use the Mac App Store. If that’s not possible, download from the developer’s official website, verify the signature, and review permissions before launching. Keep the app updated and uninstall it if you stop using it.

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