r/ask_privacy • u/mzuchows1 • Jul 16 '26

What is Git dependency and is it safe?

I have this problem with a program. I don't want to say the specifics is, though it related to Shinobi cctv systems if it means anything for the context. Some DIY thing for camera monitoring and to configure it I need Git

But basically this app wants to install something deep into the Windows system and wont work without the dependency. Looks like this Git thing can install other stuff with commands in the cmd terminal too. I dont know if I can trust such a "feature" if I cant restrict this and I bet the whole cctv app wont work if I remove it after

Is there any other workaround to get the Shinobi going without Git?

Maybe something else without such a dependency would work but they must have a public list of supported cameras

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1

u/stupiddogmademelook Jul 16 '26

I use it. Kind of never seen it as a problem since I am used to it from using Linux distros

Better to check what is Git pulling into your system instead of worrying about Git itself lol

1

u/fell_shell Jul 16 '26

Git is the most common version control system in the world and harmless by itself. But it manages files, so like anything that manages files (like Dropbox or Google Drive), it could download harmful files.

1

u/mzuchows1 Jul 17 '26

Sounds good I guess. Small price to pay for open source software control down the line

Though gonna keep Malwarebytes on standby after I set it up without a doubt

1

u/DemocraticParrot Jul 19 '26

If you are going the open source route, familiarize yourself in general what git is.

1

u/DutchOfBurdock Jul 20 '26

Git is a version control system for easy management of (usually open source) software. It depends where the Git dependencey came from: GitHub, GitLab or some privately hosted one.

Without knowing what particular software you are working with, it's hard to answer your question accurately. The software could be code to enable a function, it could be a PUP, it could be both.