Macs include strong built-in malware protection, including XProtect, Gatekeeper, Notarization and other security layers, so third-party antivirus isn’t essential for everyone. If you keep macOS up to date, download apps only from the Mac App Store and trusted websites, and are cautious about links, attachments and unexpected prompts, Apple’s own protections may be sufficient.
However, macOS is not immune to threats. As Macs have become more popular, they’ve become a more attractive target for attackers, while the nature of those threats has shifted away from traditional viruses towards phishing, fake updates, malicious downloads and scams designed to trick users into installing malware themselves.
Third-party antivirus can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly against malicious websites, suspicious downloads, phishing and emerging threats. It may be worth considering if you regularly download unfamiliar software, install apps from outside trusted sources, use torrents, handle sensitive business or personal data, share files with Windows users, or simply want stronger web protection than macOS provides on its own.
Below, we explain the security features already built into macOS, where their limitations lie, and who is most likely to benefit from installing antivirus software.
You probably don’t need additional antivirus if:
For many Mac users, Apple’s built-in security features, including XProtect, Gatekeeper and Notarization, provide sufficient protection, particularly if you keep macOS up to date, download apps only from trusted sources, and are cautious about links, attachments and unexpected prompts. However, third-party antivirus can provide an additional layer of protection against phishing, malicious websites and suspicious downloads, and may be worthwhile if you regularly install unfamiliar software, use torrents, handle sensitive data, share files with Windows users, or simply want stronger protection than macOS provides on its own.
Yes. Macs include built-in antivirus and malware protection as part of macOS. Apple uses several layers of security that work automatically in the background, so you don’t need to install anything to get a basic level of protection.
XProtect: This is Apple’s built-in antivirus engine. It checks apps against regularly updated definitions for known malware and can block malicious software before it runs. Apple updates XProtect automatically in the background, without requiring any action from you.
Gatekeeper and Notarization: Gatekeeper helps prevent untrusted software from running. It checks apps downloaded from the internet to make sure they come from an identified developer and, where applicable, have been notarized by Apple. Notarization means Apple has checked the software for known malicious content. Gatekeeper can warn you or block an app if it fails these checks.Sandboxing and permissions: macOS limits what apps can access and modify, while privacy controls require apps to request permission before accessing sensitive data and hardware such as files, the camera and microphone. These protections can limit the damage malicious software is able to cause.
XProtect Remediator: This works in the background to detect and remove malware that may already be present on your Mac. It scans periodically and receives security updates independently of full macOS updates, allowing Apple to respond more quickly to new threats.
Hardware-level security: Apple silicon Macs include security features such as the Secure Enclave and hardware-backed encryption, which help protect sensitive information and make some types of attack more difficult.
Background security updates: Apple can deliver important security improvements separately from major macOS updates, helping Macs receive protection against newly discovered threats more quickly.
Protection in highly targeted cyberattacks: If you believe you are being personally targeted by a sophisticated cyberattack, Apple offers Lockdown Mode, which severely restricts certain apps, websites and features to reduce the Mac’s attack surface. It is intended for people at unusually high risk from attacks such as mercenary spyware, rather than as everyday malware protection.
macOS also includes other safeguards designed to reduce the risk of users being tricked into running malicious software. For example, newer versions of macOS can warn when potentially dangerous commands are pasted into Terminal.
Together, these protections provide a strong security baseline. For users who keep macOS up to date, download apps primarily from the Mac App Store or reputable developers, and are cautious about links and downloads, Apple’s built-in security may be all they need.
