Do You Need Antivirus? These Questions Can Help You Decide

Is Antivirus Protection Still Necessary?

The amount of malware circulating has increased by more than 725% in the past decade [*]. But while viruses continue to pose threats, not every device — or user — is at the same risk level, in part because built-in antivirus options have advanced in recent years.

This has led many security experts to suggest that you don’t need a third-party antivirus provider — but that’s only partly true. 

Yes, modern devices are well-equipped to handle most malware, and regularly release security patches to tackle new threats. Yet, the changing cybersecurity landscape includes new challenges that built-in antivirus software can’t handle. 

Along with malware, hackers now use artificial intelligence (AI), stolen credentials from data breaches, and sophisticated phishing scams to steal your data, identity, and accounts. 

This raises the question: Is antivirus still the best way to stay safe against all cybersecurity threats?

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How To Know If You Need Antivirus: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

Antivirus software scans files and links in order to identify potential cybersecurity threats — such as spyware, Trojans, keyloggers, adware, ransomware, and other forms of malware.

There are typically two options available when it comes to protecting your device against malware: use the built-in tools that come with your device or opt for a third-party antivirus program. 

To find out which option is right for you, consider the following questions:

1. Are you running an operating system (OS) that’s more vulnerable to malware attacks? 

Your operating system can tell you a great deal about your antivirus needs. If you're running an older system, for example, you may not have access to the most updated built-in security features or antivirus software. 

Some operating systems simply face more threats, as well. The vast majority of new malware attacks still target devices that run on the Microsoft Windows operating system (for desktop computers) or on Android devices [*]. 

By contrast, MacOS and iOS devices have closed app ecosystems and built-in antivirus security features that shield against most attacks. That’s not to say your iPhone is invincible — but it’s much more difficult to get a virus on your iPhone than on an Android device. 

Use the following operating system summary to help guide your decision.

The bottom line: Unless you’re exclusively using iOS devices (which are built in such a way that they can’t support third-party antivirus apps), you may want to consider using antivirus — either via built-in software or a third-party option. 

2. Do you want extra protection against data breaches, identity theft, and phishing?

Malware isn’t the only threat to your digital security. Unfortunately, most built-in antivirus programs fall short when it comes to protecting you against phishing attacks, data breaches, and other scams:

• Android phones and tablets have almost no built-in protection other than anti-malware. You need Google's Advanced Protection Program for the anti-phishing and safe browsing features [*].
• iOS devices have privacy and security features that can limit access to your device [*], but little else to defend your identity and information. 
• Windows PCs have only a firewall to limit network access and anti-phishing protection in Office 365 [*]. 
• MacOS devices have only limited anti-phishing protection when using Safari [*].

In contrast, an all-in-one solution like Aura combines antivirus protection with a military-grade virtual private network (VPN), Safe Browsing tools, and a secure password manager, plus award-winning identity and fraud protection. 

The bottom line: If you want protection for your online accounts, data, and identity, a more comprehensive third-party digital security app might be your best bet. 

3. Would you prefer an all-in-one option over multiple tools?

You may get adequate protection when you combine built-in antivirus software with other digital security tools. However, there are downsides to this approach:

• Convenience. The more security tools you need to manage, the more difficult and time-consuming it becomes. All-in-one options simplify the process by letting you monitor and control your security from one location. 
• Cost. While built-in antivirus protection is free, the costs for additional security tools can add up. All-in-one providers bundle services, resulting in savings when compared to buying each service individually. 
• Performance. Your device performance can suffer when you add software to it — especially software programs that may overlap and not work together. Conversely, many all-in-one options perform as efficiently as stand-alone antivirus software [*].

The bottom line: Security apps often work better when bundled together, rather than maintaining and running separate, multiple tools. However, you’ll need to pay for a service, and some are better than others.

💡 Related: Can Someone Hack My iPhone? How To Tell & What To Do →

How Antivirus Software Protects Your Devices

At a high level, antivirus software scans for, detects, and quarantines malicious code and software before it can damage your device or data. 

Each service has its own unique features (and pros and cons); but typically, they tend to offer the same general functionality, including:

• File scanning. Antivirus software scans and analyzes existing and new files and programs on your device, looking for the patterns and behavior of malicious software. The software can run manual scans or scheduled automatic scans. 
• Malware detection. Antivirus software compares the files on your device to known malware, and alerts you when it finds a match. The security software then provides details on the potential threat and its severity.
• Malware removal. Depending on the settings, antivirus software may automatically delete known viruses or quarantine them until you decide how to handle them. Quarantines isolate the files to prevent them from interacting with your system, while removing malware deletes it. 
• Email protection. This feature scans, flags, and blocks incoming emails containing suspicious or malicious links and attachments. It can also flag and block spam emails before they reach your inbox. 

• URL blocking/filtering. Some tools may also block or warn users against entering websites known for phishing scams and malware. However, this is also a feature of most modern web browsers.
• Firewall. This feature monitors your network traffic and blocks suspicious activity and potential threats. Most paid antivirus providers include a firewall — but few free options do.

💡 Related: Is Avast Antivirus Safe To Use? What To Know Before You Buy →

Extra Protections That You Get With Third-Party Antivirus Programs 

The main benefit of paying for a third-party antivirus option is that many go beyond basic anti-malware protection and provide all-in-one security against a wider variety of threats. 

For example, with Aura, you get antivirus protection for Windows PC, Android, and Mac, as well as: 

• AI-powered Safe Browsing. These features outdo basic URL blockers by providing real-time protection from harmful websites and content across various browsers. 
• Virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your IP address to hide your physical location and activity from eavesdroppers — making your Wi-Fi connection more private and secure. 
• Password managers. Password managers generate, store, and manage unique and strong passwords for all online accounts.
• Dark Web monitoring. This tool monitors the Dark Web for your personal data and alerts you to compromised credentials. 
• Identity theft protection. Advanced ID theft protection may include identity, financial account, and three-bureau credit monitoring, plus fraud and breach alerts.
• Parental controls. These tools manage and monitor your childrens' online activities, with features including screen time limits and content filters.
• Encrypted storage. This provides secure storage for sensitive data and files, such as your Social Security number (SSN) or home title deeds. ‍
• Scam and spam protection. AI-powered tools flag and block spam texts and scam calls before they reach you.
• 24/7 support. Aura provides round-the-clock assistance for any challenges that pop up, including expert guidance from a dedicated team of U.S.-based White Fraud Remediation Specialists ready to help resolve identity theft and fraud issues. 
• Identity theft insurance. It’s vital to have coverage for losses incurred as a result of identity theft. Aura's plans include a $1,000,000 insurance policy for each adult member.

What are the downsides of paying for a digital security app?

Enhanced security aside, third-party antivirus options may also come with drawbacks, such as: 

• Cost. Basic antivirus protection often costs around $30-$40 per year, but services with advanced features can approach $200 per year. 
• Redundant tools. Some features that you pay for with third-party providers are available for free through your device's built-in security, web browser, and email client. 
• Deteriorating performance. Adding a feature-filled antivirus package could affect your device's performance. A 2023 performance test found that the most demanding antivirus programs slowed down computers by 19.2% when running passively and by 96% during a full scan [*].

💡 Related: What Is Digital Security? 5 Steps To Protect Your Data →

Third-Party vs. Built-In Antivirus: How To Choose

Whether you should choose third-party or built-in antivirus software likely depends on your device and your needs. While iOS users don't need to worry about antivirus protection, Android, Windows PC, and Mac users might want more extensive coverage.

To make the most informed decision, you should know the strengths and limitations of each option:

Google Play Protect for Android devices

Google Play Protect performs safety checks on your device's system and apps, while Google monitors your network connections and online activity [*]. 

Google Play Protect has come a long way since receiving AV-TEST's lowest Android antivirus scores in early 2023 [*]. As of March 2024, the antivirus software holds top marks in performance, protection, and usability [*]. 

Android's built-in antivirus limitations:

• Offers limited features, and lacks an internet connection and data privacy advisor [*]. 
• Google announced the launch of anti-phishing features with Android 15 [*], but its effectiveness remains to be seen. 

Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows PCs 

Standard on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, Microsoft Defender Antivirus provides real-time virus, account, and network protection [*]. This software received top scores across the board for protection, performance, and usability in April 2024 [*], but Microsoft Defender is not without its shortcomings. 

Windows PCs' built-in antivirus limitations: 

• Showed middling numbers in system slowdown tests [**]. 
• Only offers browser protection on Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer [*].
• Ransomware protection is disabled by default [*].
• In 2024 anti-phishing tests, Microsoft Defender only blocked 76% of phishing URLs [*], the second-worst in the field. 

XProtect and Gatekeeper for MacOS 

Macs with MacOS 10.15 or later come with XProtect built in, a signature-based malware detection and removal technology [*]. Meanwhile, Gatekeeper prevents untrusted or malicious content from launching on your Mac [*]. While effective, these tools (and your Mac computers) are not impervious to viruses.  

MacOS' built-in antivirus limitations: 

• Only Safari users receive safe browsing protection [*].
• The built-in Mail app offers no anti-phishing protection [*]. 
• XProtect's internal malware database can lag behind malware authors — which allowed info-stealing malware to slip past, undetected, in early 2024 [*]. 

Third-Party Options: Free vs. Paid

Third-party antivirus programs can differ significantly, but they usually offer more advanced, more up-to-date, and better-supported protection than built-in antivirus software. 

Yet, not all third-party antivirus software is designed equally, and some may even have more risks than rewards. While convenient and easy to use, free antivirus software, in particular, can come with several potential drawbacks.

Limitations of free antivirus software: 

• Even the best free programs lack functionality and compatibility, while the worst provide questionable malware protection that can overburden your system [*]. 
• Free antivirus apps may include unwanted permissions, extensions, or regular ads to upgrade the service [* * *].
• Free service providers may sell your data. For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million in 2024 after the company sold users’ browsing data [*].

How To Get the Most Out of Any Antivirus Software

No matter what option you settle on, there are some steps you can take to optimize your antivirus software:

• Enable real-time scanning. Real-time scanning is a preventative measure that continuously monitors your device. This feature scans files and apps as you encounter them, blocking threats before they can do harm. 
• Set a scanning schedule. Scheduled scans offer more comprehensive coverage —  catching threats that real-time scans miss. Your ideal scan frequency depends on your usage, but the average user might run quick scans daily and full scans weekly.
• Run offline scans. Offline scans can catch malware that’s hidden deep within your system, outside of your operating system. Run an offline scan if your antivirus software detects a rootkit or if your system acts strangely when full scans reveal nothing. 
• Avoid multiple antivirus programs. Stacking antivirus software can create overload issues such as depleting your device's resources or having multiple programs simultaneously try to handle the same threat. 
• Enable automatic updates. Whenever new malware or anti-malware programs come out, your antivirus software needs an update. Without automatic updates, your protection could fall behind and leave you vulnerable.  
• Scan external drives and devices. Your antivirus software’s standard scans may not cover external drives. In this case, run a manual scan on your USB and external hard drives to ensure full coverage. 
• Enable additional security tools. Many antivirus options come with extra protection features disabled by default, such as email scanning, anti-phishing tools, and ransomware protection.

Antivirus Isn’t Enough — Follow These Extra Security Measures

While antivirus software can protect you against malware and other viruses, it may not be enough to keep you safe from today’s growing list of cyber threats. 

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) fielded more than five times the number of phishing crime reports than any other type in 2023 [*]. 

Along with trustworthy digital security tools, protection in this evolving landscape requires that you rethink your actions. Here are some cyber hygiene best practices to keep you and your family safe online:

• Use strong and unique passwords. You can reduce the chance of hacking and account takeovers by creating complex and unique login credentials for every account. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for optimal security. 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Add a second verification step to the login process and reduce the risk of unauthorized account access.
• Use a password manager. A secure password manager stores your credentials, so you can use complex passwords for every account without worrying about forgetting them. Some managers also warn you of compromised credentials in data breaches. ‍
• Schedule file backups. A particularly bad malware infection can cause irreparable damage to your device's system and files. Schedule a backup to create a stable and secure version of your file system that you can restore if something goes wrong.  ‍
• Regularly update apps and devices. Automatic updates patch your apps and operating system against the latest known vulnerabilities. ‍
• Learn phishing scam warning signs. Reduce your chances of falling victim to phishing scams and fake website links by knowing what they look like and how to respond to them. ‍
• Download apps and files from official sources. Stick to reputable and well-known websites and app stores for scanned and vetted downloads.‍
• Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. This step ensures that your data remains secure and private, even if you’re using a riskier public Wi-Fi network.‍
• Limit your online information. Reduce the information that hackers and scammers can access by limiting what you share online. You can also delete your contact details from data broker lists. 

If you decide you want protection that outperforms your typical antivirus software, consider Aura’s all-in-one digital security solution. 

With Aura, you get some of the best antivirus protection available, along with award-winning identity theft protection, a VPN with Safe Browsing tools, optional scam call protection, 24/7 U.S.-based support, and $1 million in ID theft insurance coverage. 

Get all-in-one protection against online threats — try Aura today!