Do I need antivirus software in 2025?

Cyberthreats are escalating at an alarming rate. Cybercriminals steal data, spread malware, and trick people through phishing scams and software exploits. Even tech giants like Microsoft and Google have suffered cyberattacks. IBM’s report 2024 found that the average global data breach cost reached $4.88 million last year, proving how costly cyberthreats can be.

Windows 10 and 11 come with built-in security, but do they need antivirus protection? While built-in protections can defend against some threats, they don’t always catch advanced malware or phishing attacks. Is getting a third-party antivirus necessary? Let’s explore all these questions and more.

Do you still need antivirus protection?

Yes, in 2025, you still need antivirus protection. However, whether you need paid antivirus software depends on your device, the level of security risk, and how much protection you seek.

Windows has built-in virus protection but is still the OS most targeted by malware. Macs are generally safer but not immune to threats. Android devices face a high risk of malicious apps, while iOS has stricter security but is still vulnerable to phishing and zero-day attacks.

Modern antivirus software offers more than basic malware scanning – it includes endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and fast response to new malicious programs.

If you handle sensitive data or simply want the best security, an antivirus solution is definitely worth it. Check out our best antivirus for 2025 to find the one that best suits your needs.

Why do you need antivirus software?

Every day, cybercriminals launch countless attacks targeting both corporations and regular users. According to The State of Ransomware 2024 report from Sophos, 59% of organizations fell victim to ransomware in 2024, while our own Cybernews’ Ransomlooker tool reports that at least ten businesses globally are attacked every day.

AI-driven attacks are becoming more common as cybercriminals use AI to generate phishing emails, crack passwords, and automate social engineering scams. Supply chain attacks are also on the rise, when cybercriminals target software vendors to infiltrate multiple businesses at once.

There’s also something called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), which involves cybercriminals selling ransomware kits to anyone, which makes attacks easier to launch. These evolving threats make reliable antivirus software more essential than ever.

That being said, how do different operating systems handle cyberthreats?

Operating system	Ransomware risk (based on data from 2022-2024)
Windows	High – most targeted by ransomware, making it the biggest risk
macOS	Medium – less targeted but growing threat
Android	Medium to high – frequently targeted but not as common as Windows
iOS	Low – rare direct ransomware targeting, but phishing risk exists

The results are based on data from several reputable sources, including: Statista, Cybernews’ Ransomlooker, AV-TEST, Kaspersky, AAG, and PurpleSec.

Operating system	PUAs risk (based on data from 2022-2024)
Windows	High
macOS	Medium
Android	Medium
iOS	Low

PUA risk results are based on data from AV-TEST, Kaspersky, and PurpleSec.

How does antivirus protect your device?

Antivirus software is your first line of defense against cyberthreats. While offering real-time protection, it scans, detects, and removes malicious programs. However, with cybercriminals using advanced attack methods, modern antivirus solutions go beyond simple virus scans, offering multiple layers of security.

Threat detection and quarantine

Antivirus software constantly scans files and programs to detect malicious activity. When a threat is identified, it is moved to quarantine to prevent further damage. This feature is crucial for stopping malware before it spreads.

Real-time scanning and cloud-based protection

Modern antivirus tools use cloud-based detection to identify new threats faster. They scan files in real time, checking for suspicious patterns and behaviors. Regular automatic updates ensure that virus definitions stay current, helping to effectively detect and block emerging threats.

Web protection against phishing and malicious sites

Cybercriminals often use fake websites to steal data. Antivirus software includes web protection, like Norton’s Safe Web, which scans websites for phishing links, fake SSL certificates, and dangerous downloads. Some solutions go even further, scanning for HTTPS threats, botnets, and DNS hijackings to block attacks before they happen.

Firewall and network protection

A firewall helps monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking suspicious activity. Some antiviruses offer exploit prevention and intrusion detection, which stop cybercriminals from exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Ransomware protection and behavioral analysis

Antiviruses don’t just rely on known malware signatures – they use behavioral analysis to detect suspicious actions, like unauthorized file encryption. Ransomware protection stops attackers from locking your files and demanding payment.

Password managers and secure browsing

Many antiviruses, such as Norton and Bitdefender, now include password managers to help safely store and autofill strong passwords. They also offer browser security, blocking harmful scripts and trackers that could steal personal data.

Additional security features

Antivirus software often includes extra tools like cloud backup to protect important files, sandboxing to test suspicious programs in a secure environment, and parental control to filter harmful content.

What happens if I don't use antivirus?

Many users assume their laptop or PC is safe without antivirus, but skipping protection can lead to serious consequences. Without security software, your device is vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and data theft. Cybercriminals exploit unprotected systems to steal passwords and financial data and can even remotely take control of your device.

This is exactly why using antivirus software is essential. Here’s what can happen if you don’t have proper protection.

Data breaches: your private information at risk

If malware infiltrates your device, it can steal sensitive data, such as emails, passwords, and financial details. Data breaches affect millions every year, often leading to leaked personal and corporate information.

For example, in 2024, a massive password leak exposed 26 billion records worldwide, including login details from Microsoft, Google, and other major platforms. Many users failed to secure their accounts, making them easy targets.

Financial loss: stolen money and fraudulent transactions

Cybercriminals use trojans, keyloggers, and phishing scams to access online banking accounts and credit cards. Without an antivirus blocking malicious websites and tracking suspicious activity, you might not even notice an attack until it’s too late.

Cybernews’ crypto theft investigation uncovered millions in stolen cryptocurrency, revealing how cybercriminals launder stolen digital funds across multiple platforms. Many victims had no security measures in place to prevent these attacks.

Identity theft: criminals impersonating you

Once cybercriminals steal your personal information, they can use it to open fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or sell your identity on the dark web. Antivirus software can detect keyloggers and spyware that silently collect data in the background.

A victim’s stolen identity turned into a nightmare after cybercriminals used their personal details to create fake bank accounts and conduct fraudulent transactions. Recovering from identity theft can take months or even years.

Why antivirus is essential

Cyberthreats are constantly evolving, and relying on luck isn’t a security strategy. Without antivirus software, you risk financial loss, stolen personal data, and identity fraud. Investing in strong protection measures today can save you from serious consequences tomorrow.

Built-in antivirus vs third-party solutions

Most modern operating systems come with built-in protective measures. Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) is included in Windows 10 and 11, while XProtect is macOS’ built-in malware protection system. While these offer basic security, they have significant limitations compared to third-party antivirus software. So, do you still need antivirus software?

Is Windows Defender enough?

Windows Defender can protect you against some cyberthreats, but it may not provide sufficient security for everyone. While it has improved significantly in recent years, it has some drawbacks:

• Lower malware detection rates. Third-party antivirus software often outperforms Defender in independent tests.
• No additional security tools. Unlike premium antivirus systems, Windows Defender doesn’t offer VPNs, password managers, or identity theft protection.
• No dedicated web protection. Phishing websites and unsafe downloads aren’t blocked as effectively as with premium solutions.

For users searching for stronger Windows security, third-party antivirus solutions offer improved protection against existing and emerging threats. See our best antivirus for Windows for top recommendations.

How secure is XProtect?

Macs have a built-in antivirus system called XProtect, which runs silently in the background. It automatically detects and blocks known malware based on Apple’s security updates. However, XProtect has limitations that leave Mac users vulnerable, too.

• No active scanning. Unlike third-party antivirus software, it doesn’t proactively check for threats.
• Minimal ransomware protection. XProtect mainly stops known malware but struggles against newer threats.
• No extra security. It lacks phishing protection, firewall, and network security tools found in third-party antivirus software.

Mac users often assume they don’t need extra protection, but cyberthreats targeting macOS are growing. For stronger Mac security, explore our best antivirus for Mac recommendations.

Why third-party antivirus is the better choice

Built-in software like Windows Defender and XProtect offer basic protection, but they lack advanced features that modern cyberthreats require. A third-party antivirus system provides better malware detection, real-time protection, web security, and extra tools like a VPN and password manager – making them a much safer choice.

How can I protect my computer without antivirus?

It’s not recommended to use a computer without antivirus software, as it provides the most comprehensive protection against cyberthreats. However, there are other security measures you can take to reduce the risks.

Use a VPN for secure browsing

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to steal your data. It hides your IP address, preventing tracking from websites and advertisers. It also gives you access to foreign content, e.g., different Netflix libraries. Reliable VPNs, like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN, offer strong encryption and no-logs policies.

Enable firewall protection

A firewall blocks unauthorized connections and prevents cybercriminals from accessing your system. Both Windows and macOS have built-in firewalls – make sure they are enabled for an extra layer of security.

Keep your software updated

Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and important apps to patch security vulnerabilities on the fly.

Use a secure password manager

Instead of constantly reusing weak passwords, use a password manager to store and generate strong, unique passwords. This reduces the risk of criminals gaining access to multiple accounts at once.

Be cautious with emails and downloads

Phishing emails and malicious downloads are major threats. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, and only download software from trusted sources.

While these steps help improve security, they don’t fully replace antivirus protection, which detects malware and prevents real-time threats. For comprehensive security, combining these measures with a strong antivirus software is the best approach.

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