Need antivirus software?

Part 1 of 2

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11,  Monterey macOS 12, Ventura macOS 13, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.

The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.

AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

Part 2 of 2

Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase

Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions

This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender , 

This will included Norton Antivirus , Sophos Av Software

Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus

Ad Guard, Webroot , ESET , Kaspersky Antivirus. Anti virus

AVG AntiVirus   PowerMyMac 

Trustee  Total AV

Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.

Dispense with it. All you need is the built-in capabilities of your Mac and a little common sense.

ghr165 wrote:

Try searching "macOS free antivirus". There are sites that compare the candidates. I like AVG.

That is an excellent way to find and install various brands of malware and scam ware. One of the primary ways that malicious software is able to trick people is by using SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to get their malware links included in web search results.

Try searching "macOS free antivirus". There are sites that compare the candidates. I like AVG.

ghr165 wrote:

Repeatedly shutting down iMac (Late 2014) - Apple Community

OP has installed 10.15 and has malware and no anti-virus software.

That is Technically impossible.

M1 Apple Silicon computers can not run any version of macOS Older than macOS 11 Big Sur

macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers

Original Owner of question wrote " Do I need to have antivirus software on my MacBook Air M1 2020 "

Check the facts

"no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling..."

Any references?

She/he did ask about antivirus ie in general, not a specific subset of virus eg 'Windows-like' (definition?).

Repeatedly shutting down iMac (Late 2014) - Apple Community

OP has installed 10.15 and has malware and no anti-virus software.

Sorry, the Original Poster of the submission whose link I posted has 10.15.

I sense the user is seeking something else so shall ignore and cease to be an " Enablers " to this posting.

ghr165 wrote:

Repeatedly shutting down iMac (Late 2014) - Apple Community

OP has installed 10.15 and has malware

Incorrect.

... and no anti-virus software.

Correct.

You missed the whole sentence "There are sites that compare the candidates". Nothing to do with SEO.