Modern operating systems are safe without third-party anti-malware1 software. Of course, that’s a generalization. In reality, most consumer options are closer to the thing they’re trying to prevent: malware.
While third-party software like Norton or McAfee might seem like a safeguard, they often consume resources and collect data without offering significant advantages over built-in solutions like Windows Defender2 or XProtect3. Usually, these built-in services have no installation headache and the best performance without any extra cost.
Additionally, for those with potentially infected files, VirusTotal is a helpful website for scanning suspicious files. It uses several anti-malware services to determine if it’s known malware without requiring you to install it.
There are cases where third-party services can provide great value. For instance, places with many untrusted users may require additional security that only a paid service can provide. If you suspect you may need such security, do your research and expect to pay.
Footnotes
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Software that aim to prevent malware including those labeled “anti-virus”. This is usually accomplished by comparing files of known malware. Here’s a brief video explaining the differences between anti-virus/malware: Antivirus vs Anti-malware as Fast As Possible. ↩
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https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/virus-threat-protection-in-windows-security-1362f4cd-d71a-b52a-0b66-c2820032b65e ↩
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https://support.apple.com/guide/security/protecting-against-malware-sec469d47bd8/web ↩