# Dylib Hijack Scanner

> security software for macOS

**Wikidata**: [Q125475211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125475211)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dylib-hijack-scanner

## Summary
Dylib Hijack Scanner is a security software application designed specifically for the macOS operating system. Developed by the non-profit organization Objective-See, it is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. The tool is written in the Objective-C programming language and is maintained via a public source code repository.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Created by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization based in Kula, United States (founded in 2015).
- **License:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0 (GPLv3).
- **Platform:** Exclusively runs on macOS, the operating system for Apple computers.
- **Software Type:** Classified as both computer security software and free software.
- **Programming Language:** Written in Objective-C.
- **Latest Version:** Version 1.6.0 (stable release), dated October 11, 2025.
- **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub at `github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner`.
- **Website:** Official product page located at `https://objective-see.org/products/dhs.html`.

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed Dylib Hijack Scanner?
A: The software was developed by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization headquartered in Kula, United States. The organization was founded in 2015.

### Q: Is Dylib Hijack Scanner free to use?
A: Yes, it is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. This allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: What operating system is required for Dylib Hijack Scanner?
A: The utility is designed exclusively for macOS. It utilizes the Objective-C programming language, which is standard for that environment.

## Why It Matters
Dylib Hijack Scanner plays a specific role in the macOS security ecosystem by addressing complex application loading mechanisms. As a tool developed by Objective-See, a recognized non-profit organization in the security field, it provides users with a way to audit their systems for specific types of vulnerabilities. The decision to license the software under the GNU General Public License (version 3.0) is significant; it ensures that the tool remains open and transparent, allowing the security community to inspect and verify the code rather than relying on "security by obscurity."

This tool matters because macOS, while generally secure, possesses unique architectural features (such as dynamic library loading) that require specialized scanning tools. By offering this software for free, Objective-See lowers the barrier to entry for advanced system auditing, making high-level security analysis accessible to standard users and researchers alike. Its continued development—evidenced by updates through versions 1.5.0 to 1.6.0—demonstrates an ongoing commitment to maintaining security standards against evolving techniques.

## Notable For
- **Non-Profit Development:** Distinct from commercial security suites, it is maintained by Objective-See, a non-profit organization dedicated to macOS security.
- **Open Source Transparency:** The software is fully open-source under GPLv3, allowing for complete user auditability of the security checks being performed.
- **Native Architecture:** Built in Objective-C, making it a native tool within the Apple ecosystem rather than a ported cross-platform utility.
- **Specialized Focus:** Targets security issues specifically related to the macOS environment.

## Body
### Development and Origin
Dylib Hijack Scanner was created by **Objective-See**, a non-profit software organization established in 2015. The organization is based in the United States, with headquarters in **Kula**. As implied by the organization's name and the software's language, the tool is developed using **Objective-C**, a high-level, object-oriented programming language that has been a standard for Apple development since 1984.

### Technical Specifications
The software is categorized strictly as **computer security software** and **free software**. It is designed to operate on **macOS**, the operating system developed by Apple (first released in 2001). The application is copyrighted but distributed freely under the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**, which grants users the legal right to study, modify, and distribute the software. The official source code is maintained in a GitHub repository, allowing for public contribution and verification.

### Release History
The software has seen several updates, with versioning identified in structured data records:
- **Version 1.5.0:** Released on April 20, 2023.
- **Version 1.5.1:** Released on April 20, 2023.
- **Version 1.6.0:** Identified as a stable version released on October 11, 2025.

### Availability
The primary distribution point for the source code is `github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner`. General information and the official product description are hosted on the developer's website at `https://objective-see.org/products/dhs.html`.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner/blob/main/LICENSE)
2. [Release 1.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner/releases/tag/v1.5.0)
3. [Release 1.5.1. 2023](https://github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner/releases/tag/v1.5.1)
4. [Release 1.6.0. 2025](https://github.com/objective-see/DylibHijackScanner/releases/tag/v1.6.0)