To add on to the Very Good Advise from @BobTheFisherman 👍
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, in macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 13 Ventura.
The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.
The only Entity that can open and modify or alter this Volume is Apple.
That would occur when a update or UpGrade is performed.
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.
Part 2 of 2
Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, is an invitation for disaster and comprising the Operating System
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
1 - Disk Cleaner
This will include CleanMyMac , aka “ BrickMyMac “
MacKeeper,
Dr Cleaner Pro Plus
Open Cleaner one Pro
Macmechanic
2 - Third Party Security Software
This will include BitDefender ,
This will included Norton Antivirus
Sophos Av Software
Intego AntiVirus
McAfee,
Avast AntiVirus
Ad Guard,
Webroot ,
ESET ,
Avira ,
AVG AntiVirus
avira antivirus
Trustee
AntiVirus for Mac
F-Secure
Securemac
Cylance
Kaspersky Internet Security
Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.