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MacBook Pro M1- Do I need an Antivirus?

The million dollar question... Does MacBook Pro - need an antivirus?


Seems there's alot of yes and no answers but not a clear cut reply that I can make a sound decision.

I rather not add some external 3rd party spy software under the veil of Anti Virus, but If its needed I will get it to protect my MacBook Pro M1- [especially me being a noob to the Apple/Mac family.

I will take your advise...on what's the best option.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Mar 26, 2021 6:11 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 26, 2021 6:17 PM

I have used MacBooks for years and have never used a 3rd party anti-virus. I don't have the M1 model but my opinion would be the same for it. Also see: macOS - Security - Apple


Do you need an antivirus? No.

3 replies

Mar 27, 2021 9:22 AM in response to MacbookPro_Noob

In addition, run away from any third-party apps that claim to clean, disinfect, purge, polish, or change your Mac's nappies. All these interfere with elegant, automated self-maintenance routines that Apple added to the Mac OS two decades ago. Those routines even handle disk defragging. Adding third-party cleaners only conflicts with what you paid Apple to include in the the OS.


If you need to clear memory on macOS, simply restart the computer. No software needed.

MacBook Pro M1- Do I need an Antivirus?

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