For years, it was believed that Mac malware wasn’t a significant issue due to the low market share and robust built-in security measures. However, times have changed, and with over 400 million Mac users worldwide, they are now a more attractive target for attackers.
A recent test involved installing over 130 pieces of known malware on a standard installation of macOS 15.6.1 to see how it performed. The results showed that while macOS can be tricked into allowing the installation of malicious software if warnings are ignored, the built-in security measures provide robust protection against most threats.
In fact, if users stick to trusted sources like the Mac App Store and pay attention to Apple’s warning prompts, they can enjoy virtually all-around protection. The built-in safeguards do a great job of blocking or quarantining malware and raising red flags before it can cause harm. While third-party antivirus software is still an option for added peace of mind, macOS’ built-in protections are generally sufficient for most users.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/24/do-you-need-third-party-anti-virus-software-on-a-mac