Ethereum: Is Bitcoin Core Safe to Download on macOS?
As a new Mac user or an existing user looking to explore the world of cryptocurrencies, downloading Bitcoin Core (BTC) on macOS may seem like a simple process. However, you are facing an unexpected issue that is causing your download attempt to fail. In this article, we will take a deeper look at why you are getting the error message and discuss whether it is safe to proceed with the installation.
Error Message: “Apple cannot check for malware”
When you try to open Bitcoin Core.app, you get an error message that says:
Cannot open “Bitcoin Core.app”…
This message is a standard macOS security warning that warns you about possible malware or malicious files. Tell Apple (or macOS, in this case) that the downloaded file Bitcoin Core.app cannot be run due to its suspicious nature.
The Problem: Bitcoin Core and Malware
Ethereum’s open-source software distribution, Bitcoin Core, contains code from a third-party library called OpenSSL, which is used for encryption. However, when you download and install Bitcoin Core on your Mac, the library may not have been properly patched or updated to prevent potential security vulnerabilities.
The error message you see indicates that macOS has detected something suspicious in Bitcoin Core.app and has blocked it from running due to a “malicious software” warning. This is likely because OpenSSL, which is included with the Bitcoin Core installation, may contain known vulnerabilities that could compromise the security of your Mac or other users.
Is it safe to download?
Before you proceed with the download, you have two options:
- Disable macOS security features – You can try disabling some built-in security features on your Mac to bypass this warning. However, be aware that this may compromise the overall security and stability of your system.
- Use a different method: Instead of downloading Bitcoin Core directly from the official website, consider using a third-party repository or a pre-built package for macOS. This way you can avoid potential issues with malware or vulnerabilities.
Recommended solutions
To fix this issue we recommend the following:
- Disable built-in security features: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Advanced and uncheck “Show all files” under the “Open files” tab. This will allow macOS to see and run files from unknown sources.
- Use a different method: Look for pre-built packages or repositories that offer Bitcoin Core or similar software, such as Homebrew or Docker. These methods often come with built-in security features and can help ensure you’re downloading trustworthy software.
Conclusion
While it may seem frustrating to encounter an error message like this when trying to download Bitcoin Core on your Mac, it’s generally safe to proceed with caution. By disabling macOS security features or using a pre-built package, you should be able to bypass the warning and successfully install Bitcoin Core.
However, if you are still unsure about the potential risks or prefer to err on the side of caution, consider exploring alternative methods to download Bitcoin Core or looking for trusted sources that offer reliable software.