So, we all know that macOS installer packages (those pesky .pkg files) can be a bit tricky. Some are totally useless, some are must-haves for installing software correctly, and others might even sneak in some bloatware or malware. The real question is: how do you figure out which is which?
Suspicious Package comes to the rescue! This free app lets you take a closer look at .pkg files before you decide to run them. You can check out what’s inside, see if they’re signed and notarized, analyze install scripts, and even extract files if you want.
If you're just after some basic info, Quick Look can help you out. With the app's plugin, you'll get extra details like previous installations, developer ID, notarization status, and how many install scripts are included. If you need more specifics, just open it up directly in Suspicious Package.
The simplest way to do this? Just drag the .pkg file onto the app’s Dock icon! Once you're in, the info is neatly organized into tabs. Check out the second tab for all the files packed inside the installer. You can inspect them using Quick Look or drag them over to Finder to extract.
If security's your priority (and it should be!), take a look at the package’s signature and developer ID certificate. You’ll also want to see if Apple has notarized it and what install scripts it's set to run. If there are any issues flagged by Suspicious Package, they’ll pop up for you to check out.
The third tab is all about scripts—this is where you'll need some know-how to determine if a package is safe. All install scripts will be listed here with their code available for analysis.
No matter why you're cautious about running installer packages straight away, this app has got your back. You can extract apps and either inspect or install them yourself while making sure everything is signed and notarized. Plus, combing through install scripts helps spot any potential malware lurking around.
If you combine Suspicious Package with Apparency, it makes getting details from .pkg files a breeze—no need to extract anything! You get so much functionality wrapped up in an easy-to-use interface, and did I mention it’s completely free?
Go to the Softpas website, press the 'Downloads' button, and pick the app you want to download and install—easy and fast!
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