Ethereum: Is it safe to download Bitcoin Core 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 may encounter an unexpected issue that causes your download attempt to fail. In this article, we will look into why the error message appears and discuss whether it is safe to continue with the installation.
The error message is: “Apple cannot verify that it contains malicious software”
When you try to open the “Bitcoin Core.app” application, you will receive an error message that reads:
“Bitcoin Core.app” cannot be opened…
This message is a standard macOS security warning that warns you about potential malware or malicious files. It tells Apple (or in this case macOS) that the downloaded file “Bitcoin Core.app” cannot be run due to its suspicious nature.
The Problem: Bitcoin Core and Malware
Bitcoin Core, the open source software distribution for Ethereum, includes some 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 address potential security vulnerabilities.
The error message you see indicates that macOS detected something suspicious about the “Bitcoin Core.app” application and blocked its execution due to a “malware” warning. This is likely because the OpenSSL included in the Bitcoin Core installation may contain known vulnerabilities that could compromise the security of your Mac or other users.
Is this download safe?
Before you continue with the download, you have two options:
- Disable macOS security features: To bypass this warning, you can try to disable some of the built-in security features on your Mac. However, keep in mind that doing so may compromise the overall security and stability of your system.
- Use another method
: Instead of downloading Bitcoin Core directly from the official website, consider using a third-party repository or a pre-built macOS package. This way, you can avoid potential issues with malware or vulnerabilities.
Recommended solutions
To resolve this issue, we recommend the following:
- Disable built-in security features: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Advanced and uncheck the “Show all files” checkbox on the “Open files” tab. This allows macOS to view and execute files from unknown sources.
- Use another method: Look for pre-built packages or repositories that offer Bitcoin Core or similar software, such as Homebrew or Docker. These methods often have built-in security features and can help you download software that you can trust.
Conclusion
While it may seem frustrating to encounter such an error message when trying to download Bitcoin Core on your Mac, it is generally safe to err on the side of 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 of downloading Bitcoin Core or looking for reputable sources that offer trustworthy software.