Does the MacBook Air need antivirus software

Hi there!

Welcome to the Mac!

Good news - Mac computers do not need any sort of antivirus or cleaning software. Anti-virus and similar types of software can cause performance issues, security issues, and make macOS appear buggy. Your Mac is worse with these types of Apps installed.

In addition, Mac computers cannot get any traditional "viruses". The only area of concern is some malware, mostly adware, and it's easily avoidable. Do not install apps from unknown sources, and you'll be safe!

Here are some links that describe Apple's built-in malware protection, which are far superior:

• macOS - Security - Apple
• Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support
• Protect your Mac from malware - Apple Support
• Ways to avoid malware and harmful apps on Mac - Apple Support
• Gatekeeper and runtime protection in macOS - Apple Support

Jack

ShakaiCR973 wrote:

We are first time Apple computer owners.

Welcome. It's about time, wouldn't you say?

It can be very difficult for former Windows users to become comfortable with the fact that Macs do not need and cannot benefit from third party "anti-virus" products. In fact they are among the worst products to install on Macs. If not for Windows and former Windows users' insistence upon installing such junk the complaints on this site would be diminished by half, at least.

Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community might lend some perspective on the subject.