Security software for either MacBook or iPhone

We very often hear from folks experiencing some performance issue that can finally be traced to one or multiple anti-virus/anti-malware apps installed and running on their machine.

Keep your software updated and macOS is capable of keeping itself secure. There is no need to run any anti-virus, cleaners, optimizers or VPN apps. These apps often cause more problems and headache than they prevent because they conflict with the macOS’ built in securities. If you have this type of app installed, you should uninstall it according to the developer's instructions, and use best practices when using your Mac.

If you want to keep your Mac secure, follow this guidance:

• Keep your macOS and other software up to date.

• Don’t click links in email.

• Don’t download apps from unknown websites.

• Don’t disable your Mac’s built in security.

For more info, please see these support documents:

• Effective Defenses Against Malware - Apple Community

• Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts…and other scams - Apple Support

Also see:

• Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support

I think most people would agree that security software probably isn't necessary. It certainly isn't necessary on an iPhone or iPad, and regardless of what the vendors claim, any such software is pretty useless. I've been using Macs for over forty years and have never found any need to be running antivirus software on any of my systems. Just follow the common-sense precautions: don't download software or files from any place you've not thorougly verified as reliable, don't click on the links in any email or text you've received particularly if they're unexpected, and definitely don't install any software resulting from such links, don't plug any external storage into your Mac unless again it comes from someone completely reliable, and don't give anyone your personal information, particularly anyone who calls you out of the blue with some story or other.

Regards.

No. Uninstall it.