Ethereum: Is it safe to download Bitcoin Core on macOS?
As a new Mac user or an existing one who wants to explore the world of cryptocurrencies, downloading Bitcoin Core (BTC) on macOS may seem like a simple process. However, you’re faced with an unexpected issue that’s causing your download attempt to fail. In this article, we’ll look into why the error message appears and whether it’s safe to continue with the installation.
Error message: “Apple can’t check for malware”
When you try to open the “Bitcoin Core.app” app, you’ll receive an error message that reads:
“Bitcoin Core.app” can’t 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 executed due to its suspicious nature.
Problem: Bitcoin Core and Malware
Bitcoin Core, the open source software distribution for Ethereum, includes some code from the third-party OpenSSL library, which is used for cryptography. 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 are seeing indicates that macOS has detected something suspicious in the “Bitcoin Core.app” application and has blocked it from running due to a “malicious software” 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 it safe to download?
Before you continue downloading, you have two options:
- Disable macOS security features: You can try to bypass this warning by disabling some of the built-in security features of your Mac. However, keep in mind 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 malware or vulnerability issues.
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 in the “Open files” tab. This allows macOS to view and execute files from unknown sources.
- Use a different method: Look for ready-made 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 ensure that you are downloading trustworthy software.
Conclusion
While it may be frustrating to encounter this error message when trying to download Bitcoin Core on your Mac, it is 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 would rather err on the side of caution, consider looking for alternative methods to download Bitcoin Core or looking for trusted sources for trustworthy software.
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