Malwarebytes

MalwareBytes is useful for removing Malware from the Mac. You do not want it, or any software, to run on every startup to monitor your activity. It should only be used for a single scan to clear up an issue that you are having. The Mac does not need any extra protection and no Anti-Virus or Cleaners should be installed.

This situations where is does help is when Malware gets installed by you allowing it. It is usually a situation where a fake "Flash Player Update" dialog pops up or an allowed Notification from Safari that says you have a virus and need to download some software to remove it. Following safe browsing techniques is the answer and not installing Anti-Virus that won't stop this from occurring and will only hog your system resources. If you did fall for one of these fake messages and installed some nefarious software, the free one time scan of MalwareBytes will remove it. After that you should know better than to fall for these scams.

It is really only necessary to run when Malware gets installed. Some common ones are "Search Marquis" and "Search Baron" which redirects the searches you perform to other sites, usually with ad popups so they can get income from the Ads. They can be removed manually, but if this occurs, it is sometimes easier to run MalwareBytes to remove them. For more information on this Malware and manual removal, you can check this out.

Removing "Search Marquis" / "Search Baron… - Apple Community

The free version that you can use for a single scan is fine. As I said before, it is never a good idea to have any software run on startup to monitor your activity and that includes MalwareBytes. If you do use MalwareBytes, make sure the version you have is the latest version which can be checked when you go to download the free version on the website. It does get updated frequently, so don't just rely on the version you downloaded some time ago. You can always download the latest free version.

Malwarebytes was developed by a longtime contributor here for these forums and the free version is useful to remove unwanted -ware. I have the free version installed and do not run it on a regular basis - just if there is a problem. It is not to be mistaken as your average AV ware. Here is an article by him (Thomas Reed):

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/podcast/2021/12/why-macs-are-the-best-according-to-mac-expert-thomas-reed-lock-and-code-s02e23

Hello 724_aRLW12,

You do not need to install any anti-virus software or clearner applications.

All applications that ask for permissions to macOS features should show under Privacy & Security in Settings. I would be careful with the following privileges:

1. Files & Folder
2. Microphone
3. Camera
4. Screen Recording
5. Full Disk Access (Don't give anything this)

An application downloaded to your Mac, cannot access anything without you specifically granting it permission to do so. You can also revoke these permissions at any time. Always pay attention to these settings and add/revoke permissions as needed.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Safety Check is coming to macOS Sonoma (coming this Fall). Safety Check is an extremely useful tool on iPhone and I cannot wait for it to be implemented on macOS. How Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe - Apple Support

If you're into learning something new, Activity Monitor is a great tool at spotting potential malicious/suspicious activity on your Mac as well - Activity Monitor User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

It is completely unnecessary. Just don’t install adware.

How to install adware - Apple Community