Best Virus/Malware Protection

Completely unnecessary to use security software with macOS unless you are managing a fleet of Macs. Even then, there are enterprise tools that are far better than any previous anti-virus software. Such as contracting with Crowdstrike or JAMF Protect. But these tools are meant for IT departments and are not cheap. I work with many thousands of Macs and the only threats we've ever really encountered were adware installed by a developer whose kid installed some shady video games from alternative download sources. Or someone installs hacker tools and raises a red flag. But it was useful to identify those with a particular vulnerability like that Apache Log4j issue with Java programming library for working with logs. That was on developer Macs. Normal every day Mac users wouldn't have the problem.

Apple has raised the bar considerably with security in macOS. Apps must be signed and come from the App Store. The developer certificate has to be valid and not expired or disabled. Apps outside the App store should be notarized by Apple and signed by the developer. By default your personal data has further protects on Desktop, Documents, Contacts, Camera, Microphone, etc. Where you are asked if you wish to allow a particular App to have access to those things. The base operating system files are protected by a read-only volume and that volume is snapshot to APFS then signed and sealed by Apple. The Mac boots from that immutable snapshot and Apple is the only one that make changes to the critical system files. That will prevent malware from tampering with the most dangerous parts of the operating system.

Providing you use common sense and safe Internet practices you are very unlikely to become infected with malware.

1. Do not fall for phishing attacks. Do not click on links or attachments on suspicious emails or text messages. Think twice and even a 3rd time. Rather than use the provided link, go find the legitimate site yourself. Call the company using their main number not the one the email provided you. Err on the side of caution, any message that appears urgent is likely a SCAM.
2. Be suspicious of weird pop-up alerts and notifications and message windows. They might be browser windows and not an actual dialog box.
3. Run an ad-blocker on your browsers or consider a network filter such as Pi-Hole.net to block ads across all your systems. This will ensure you avoid any drive-by attacks where a rogue advertisement containing malware and a browser exploit payload doesn't slip through the myriad of marketing networks and reach your Mac.
4. Keep your Mac up-to-date with macOS updates and upgrades, turn on Automatic Updates and upgrade your macOS annually (waiting a few months after a fall release is recommended).
5. Keep your Apps up-to-date as many times they fix a security problems frequently.
6. Do not turn on features in Sharing unless you actually need those features and know how to secure them.
7. Enable the App firewall (bonus nerd points if you learn how to use the PF firewall)
8. Enable FileVault encryption (backup recovery key to iCloud or print it out and keep it safe)
9. Only download software from the App Store or the original developer website. Do not click on any download sites they frequently tamper with apps and inject adware to support their free services.
10. NEVER EVER ACCEPT A CONFIGURATION PROFILE INSTALLATION these are used by employers to manage a fleet of employee Macs. It can be a rogue hacker group trying to obtain control of your Mac.
11. Stop surfing unsafe websites. If there are a bazillion ads you are likely on a very shady website.
12. DO NOT PIRATE SOFTWARE NOR MEDIA it is extremely common for hackers to inject malware payloads into the pirated software. Installing a stolen Adobe Photoshop might result in malware tools coming along for the ride. You park that App in your garage and gremlins will pop out of the trunk and reek havoc.
13. Seek out a 3rd party password manager or use the built-in Apple Keychain features to do so. Just don't go with LastPass they were recently hacked.

Learn how to set strong memorable passwords:

You should uninstall the antivirus software - it’s not needed on a Mac, there are no known self-propagating viruses for macOS as @P. Phillips stated. Just be sure not to side load unverified software or open unknown links, (thereby inviting in whatever may come) and your system will take care of the rest.

If you still feel inclined to get extra protection, you can look into installing Malwarebytes. Here’s a large bit of very helpful info about it and the rest of what I’ve said from an experienced fellow Apple user. https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8841

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, specific to Big Sur macOS 11, Monterey macOS 12 and Ventura macOS 13.

The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User.

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.

Work used to force McAfee on the company Macs. It was responsible for most of the IT Support issues on the company Macs. System Panics, slow performance, networking issues, disconnecting ssh connections to remote Linux development systems, etc...

As P. Phillips says, macOS protects itself. The thing you have to look out for is you being tricked into installing malware.

If you get all your software from the App Store, that is highly unlikely.

If you like to install software from websites, then you have to decide if the website is a reputable vendor, or an outfit that wants to install malware, or just as bad, a free software developer that side-loads ad-ware software so they can may money on the side, and the ad-ware software gets to collect information on you, and inject ads into your web stream.

Again, if you are careful about what you install, you do not need to worry about malware on your Mac, because there is no self spreading malware, so you have to be involved.

You have been provided the correct answer to not install third party anti virus apps.

As an aside, you mention you also use McAffee on your Windows computer. This also is not necessary and it interferes with the Windows Defender provided as part of Windows. Old operating systems used to be volnerable but with today'smodern operating systems the environment has changed. Use the built-in protection and common sense.

FWIW. in 30+ years I have never installed malware on my Macs. A couple things you should read…

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

markwco10 wrote:

I see Malwarebytes mentioned frequently but I read it only removes malware, not viruses. Is there anything else I should look at for the Mac?

There is malware but there are no Mac viruses.

You're welcome.