Running apps outside of system security policies in macOS Sequoia can be achieved by bypassing or disabling Gatekeeper, which is a security feature that verifies the integrity of applications before they are launched. To do this, you can use Terminal to change the Gatekeeper settings or use third-party software to modify the system settings. Keep in mind that disabling Gatekeeper can expose your system to potential security risks, so proceed with caution and only run apps from trusted sources.

Apple’s macOS is widely regarded as one of the most secure operating systems globally. Despite its security measures, vulnerabilities can still exist.

In the past decade, Apple has integrated various security features into macOS to enhance its security. Some of these features include:

1. Developer ID
2. Gatekeeper
3. App Notarization
4. Digital app signatures
5. System Integrity Protection (SIP)

Developer ID and Gatekeeper are security features that validate and authorize Mac apps, granting or denying permission for their execution. Gatekeeper ensures that only validated apps from registered Apple developers or the Mac App Store can run.

Furthermore, Developer ID-only apps can run when downloaded from sources outside the Mac App Store, provided they have been verified by Apple.

Gatekeeper triggers the “Verifying” progress window in the Finder when a newly downloaded app is launched for the first time, as it authenticates the app’s signed digital receipts and components.

Within macOS’s System Settings app, users can choose to allow only Gatekeeper-verified (App Store) apps or both Gatekeeper and apps from registered Apple developers via Developer ID.

If attempting to run a macOS app lacking these security features, an alert will prompt in the macOS Finder indicating the app cannot be opened. To bypass this warning, users can click Done and then navigate to System Settings->Privacy & Security to click the Open Anyway button.

A downloaded installer app that hasn’t undergone Gatekeeper verification.

App Notarization enhances security by confirming that Mac apps and disk images are free of malicious elements.

Digital app signatures encrypt a Mac app during development and download from the Mac App Store, ensuring its authenticity and integrity post-distribution.

System Integrity Protection (SIP) is a macOS security feature introduced in macOS 10.11 El Capitan in 2015. SIP shields vital operating system files from unauthorized modifications, even by the root UNIX user when active.

SIP can be toggled off and on in macOS’s Terminal app, though Apple discourages this action as it exposes Macs to security threats.

Collectively, these security elements constitute Runtime Protection in macOS.

Apple provides additional runtime protections for standalone binary apps operating in the Terminal app, incorporating extended attributes (xattrs) and other system-level safeguards.

Some command-line Terminal apps may be restricted from executing under default system security measures to shield users from unverified, malicious third-party tools.

These restrictions are specific to certain apps.

There are instances where standard macOS apps may require the execution of separate command-line tools or additional software components.

To enable the operation of an app beyond macOS system security confines in macOS Sequoia, users should revisit the System Settings->Privacy & Security section and verify specific subpages for enabling switches.

For example, certain command-line developer tools necessitate running outside standard security policies to execute commands, handle files, or perform restricted tasks.

In this scenario, navigate to System Settings->Privacy & Security->Developer Tools and locate the corresponding switch:

Check Privacy & Security for a special security policy switch.

Regrettably, macOS currently lacks a universal toggle for this function, as it would expose Macs to potential security hazards.

However, users can activate this feature on a per-app basis if the particular app supports it. Not all apps will offer this capability, necessitating individual scrutiny.

While most scenarios may not require circumventing macOS security policies, certain apps may warrant exceptions under specific circumstances.

For comprehensive information on Gatekeeper, Developer ID, and employing System Settings for app launches, consult Apple’s Technote 102445, “Safely open apps on your Mac.”