How to fix macOS message: could not verify “java” is free of malware that may harm your Mac or compromise your privacy.

Problem

Download some tools/SDK containing JDK or JDK from an external website or copy it from some external device. When running the tool inside or outside of IDEA, it's killed, and a macOS alert dialog is displayed, which content shows: Apple could not verify “java” is free of malware that may harm your Mac or compromise your privacy.

On some old versions of macOS, like Catalina, the message will be like: “java” can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.

Cause

By default, macOS will not allow Apps from Apple or App Store to be executed for security reasons.

Resolution

If you know the software is trustworthy, go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to the Security section, and click Open Anyway. The button is available for about an hour after you try to open the app. Enter your login password, then rerun the application. On macOS 12 and earlier, the page is Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy.