Do You Still Need Antivirus Software? (The Answer Will Suprise You)

🚨 Breaking: Over 350,000 New Malware Threats Created EVERY DAY in 2025

If you think your smartphone, laptop, or tablet is safe from cyber threats in 2025, think again. While technology has advanced dramatically, so have the cybercriminals targeting your devices.

The question isn’t whether you need antivirus protection anymore—it’s which devices desperately need it and which ones might surprise you.

Do You Still Need Antivirus Software?

Cybersecurity experts say the answer is largely yes — though the need depends on the device. iPhones remain the only mainstream operating system where additional antivirus software isn’t necessary, thanks to Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem.

The same applies to iPads and iPad Minis, though some users may still opt for extra safeguards. In contrast, Windows PCs, macOS systems, and Android devices continue to face significant security threats, making antivirus protection a recommended layer of defence.

Choosing Antivirus Software: Which One Is Right for You?

Cybersecurity analysts argue the debate is no longer whether you need antivirus software, but which product offers the best protection.

The most effective programs go beyond basic virus scans, shielding users from ransomware, spyware, malware, and a wide range of online threats. Independent testing shows the best antivirus tools can detect and neutralise attacks before they cause lasting damage.

Why You Still Need Antivirus Software

The scale of digital threats continues to climb. The AV-Test Institute reports more than 350,000 new malware samples and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are detected every day. Malware remains the primary concern, accounting for 90% of total threats in 2020, compared with 12% from PUAs.

Some systems are far more vulnerable than others. Windows devices are the most frequent targets, with managed service providers reporting that 87% of ransomware attacks as of January 25, 2021, were aimed at Windows computers.

AV-Test data also shows Windows devices recorded the highest volume of new malware and potentially unwanted applications throughout 2020 and into January 2021.

Android systems followed, with macOS devices trailing behind. The takeaway: unless you’re using an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, antivirus protection remains essential.

How Antivirus Protects Your Devices

Antivirus programs operate by scanning computers and mobile devices for malicious code, including viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. When suspicious files are detected, the software isolates and removes them before damage can occur. Here’s a closer look at how the process works.

Core Antivirus Features

Most antivirus software offers a common set of protections designed to detect and block threats:

• Behavior-based detection: Identifies malware even if it hasn’t been catalogued in existing databases.
  
  
• Scans: Provides both on-demand and real-time scanning, with options for scheduling or continuous monitoring.
  
  
• Quarantine and removal: Isolates infected files to prevent further spread, then removes them entirely.
  
  
• Web protection: Guards against phishing attempts, malicious websites, and other online threats.

Additional Anti-Virus Security Tools

Many antivirus packages also bundle broader cybersecurity features, including:

• Parental controls: Filters unsafe sites and enforces screen time limits.
  
  
• Firewalls and network protection: Monitors incoming and outgoing traffic beyond device-level protection.
  
  
• Secure browsers: Offers encrypted browsing to conceal activity from Internet Service Providers.
  
  
• Password managers: Stores login credentials in encrypted vaults.
  
  
• Encrypted cloud storage: Protects sensitive documents and files.
  
  
• System optimisation tools: Cleans up unnecessary files to improve performance.
  
  
• Identity theft protection: Monitors financial and criminal databases for signs of compromised personal data.
  
  
• VPNs: Encrypts internet activity and masks IP addresses for greater privacy and unrestricted browsing.

The Argument Against Antivirus

Of course, those that say that antivirus software isn’t necessary aren’t completely wrong. It’s definitely not needed for iOS devices, nor does it exist for iOS devices in the first place.

There’s also the argument that antivirus software is expensive, which we must agree with, unfortunately. The average cost of antivirus software is about $40 a year, and term lengths aren’t usually any shorter.

And while some free antivirus software exists, it usually limits things like the number of devices you can connect or the amount of time you can use it.

Additionally, some devices like Windows and Macs have built-in antivirus software, so many feel that additional third-party software is unnecessary. Well, we did some investigating, which brings us to our next topic.

The One Device That’s Completely Safe (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

Here’s the plot twist that even tech experts get wrong: iPhones are the ONLY devices that don’t need antivirus software in 2025. That’s right—your iPhone’s closed iOS system is virtually impenetrable to malware. Even iPads get a pass, though extra protection never hurts.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

The Device Rankings: From Most Vulnerable to Fortress-Level Security

According to the latest cybersecurity data, here’s how your devices rank for vulnerability:

🎯 HIGHEST RISK: Windows Devices

• 87% of all ransomware attacks target Windows computers
• Over 91.9 million new malware threats in 2024 alone
• Windows tablets face 11% of ransomware attacks

🔶 MEDIUM-HIGH RISK: Android Devices

• 3.2 million new malware threats annually
• 5% of ransomware attacks target Android
• Most vulnerable mobile platform after iOS

🔷 LOWER RISK: macOS

• 674,496 new malware threats in 2024
• Only 7% of ransomware targets Macs
• BUT: Mac threats increased by over 400% compared to previous years

✅ SAFEST: iOS (iPhone/iPad)

• Only 3% of ransomware attempts
• Closed system architecture blocks most threats
• No antivirus software needed (or available)

The Built-In Protection Myth: Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough

Think your device’s built-in protection has you covered? Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Windows Defender: The Incomplete Shield

Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender, but it’s missing crucial features:

• No endpoint protection and response
• No automated investigation capabilities
• Business users are particularly vulnerable

Mac’s XProtect: Better Than Nothing, But…

Apple’s built-in security includes XProtect, Gatekeeper, and Sandbox mode, but it fails to:

• Block adware effectively
• Stop potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)
• Prevent all malware slip-throughs

The $40 Question: Free vs. Paid Antivirus in 2025

Average cost of quality antivirus: $40 per year

What free antivirus WON’T give you:

• Multi-device protection (most cover only 1 device)
• Firewall protection
• Full-time customer support
• Advanced threat detection
• Compatibility with all operating systems

What you WILL get with paid protection:

• Complete malware detection (behavior-based scanning)
• Real-time threat monitoring
• Web browsing protection
• Email scanning
• Secure cloud storage options

The VPN Confusion: Why You Need BOTH

Here’s a common misconception that’s putting millions at risk: “I have a VPN, so I don’t need antivirus.”

Wrong. Here’s why:

• VPNs encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address
• Antivirus software detects and removes malware from your device
• They serve completely different security functions
• You need BOTH for comprehensive protection

2025 Antivirus Optimisation: 8 Pro Tips That Actually Work

1. Bundle Smart: Look for packages that include VPN, password managers, and identity protection
2. Enable Auto-Updates: Out-of-date software = security vulnerabilities
3. Never Run Two Antiviruses: Multiple programs cause system crashes
4. Turn On Real-Time Scanning: Don’t wait for scheduled scans
5. Scan ALL Downloads: Even “trusted” files can contain malware
6. Weekly Scheduled Scans: Minimum frequency for optimal protection
7. Email Scanning Is Essential: Phishing attempts arrive daily
8. Regular Backups: Your last line of defense if everything else fails

The Bottom Line: 2025 Antivirus Reality Check

YOU NEED ANTIVIRUS IF YOU USE:

• Windows computers or tablets ✅
• Android phones or tablets ✅
• Mac computers ✅
• Any smart device connected to the internet ✅

YOU DON’T NEED ANTIVIRUS IF YOU USE:

• iPhone ❌
• iPad ❌
• That’s literally it.

The Scary Statistics That Should Wake You Up

• 350,000+ new malware threats created DAILY
• 90% of all cyber threats are malware (vs. 12% potentially unwanted applications)
• Mac malware increased 400% year-over-year
• Only 3% of devices are naturally immune to threats

Take Action Now: Your 3-Step Protection Plan

Step 1: Identify your devices and their risk levels Step 2: Choose reputable antivirus software with real-time protection Step 3: Enable automatic updates and regular scanning

The Final Verdict

In 2025, asking “Do I need antivirus?” is like asking “Do I need to lock my front door?” The digital landscape is more dangerous than ever, with sophisticated threats emerging daily. Unless you’re exclusively using iOS devices, antivirus protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.

The short answer is, yes. You still need antivirus protection software for a PC or laptop. iPhones and iPads are the only exceptions, as iOS devices don’t need antivirus software thanks to Apple’s secure closed-system design that blocks malware infiltration.

Don’t become another statistic. With over a third of a million new threats created every single day, the question isn’t whether you’ll encounter malware, but whether you’ll be protected when you do.