Do You Really Need Antivirus in 2025? Myths vs. Facts

September 26, 2025
Antivirus

Introduction — the question everyone’s asking in 2025

“Do I still need antivirus?” is one of the most common security questions in 2025. Modern operating systems ship with stronger built-in protections than ever, machine learning and cloud threat intelligence are ubiquitous, and many people rely on safe browsing habits and browser sandboxes. At the same time, attackers have also evolved: ransomware remains profitable for criminal networks, supply-chain attacks target trusted software, phishing techniques have become more convincing, and AI is being used to craft targeted social-engineering campaigns.

Do You Really Need Antivirus in 2025 Myths vs. Facts

This article takes a hard, evidence-based look at whether antivirus (AV) remains necessary in 2025. We’ll separate persistent myths from facts, summarize independent lab findings and major industry reports, explain where built-in protection helps and where it falls short, and give a practical, layered security plan for home users, power users, and organizations. Where appropriate, we cite independent lab results and public security reports so you can follow up.

Short answer (TL;DR)

Yes — you generally still need some form of antivirus or endpoint protection in 2025. For most mainstream users, built-in protections (Windows Security / Microsoft Defender on Windows, platform protections on macOS and Android) are a solid first line of defense, but they are not a complete security strategy for everyone. Advanced threats (ransomware, targeted supply-chain compromise, credential harvesting) and behavior-based attacks mean an additional layer — whether a reputable third-party AV product or enhanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) — is often warranted for higher-risk users and enterprises.

How we reached that conclusion (short methodology)

This article is based on:

Independent lab test results and product scores (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives).
Industry threat reporting summarizing observed attacks (Microsoft Digital Defense / Digital Defense Report 2024).
Recent consumer security surveys and market reporting to gauge adoption and perceptions.

I focus on what matters to end users: detection of mainstream malware, protection against phishing and ransomware, false positives/ usability, and coverage for mobile / IoT devices.

A quick history: antivirus then vs. now

Past (1990s–2010s): AV was signature heavy. Products relied on databases of known malware hashes; updates were frequent and users needed signature updates to stay protected. AV shaped how users thought about security — install, scan, done.
Present (2020s → 2025): AV is layered: signatures still matter but are complemented or replaced in many contexts by heuristics, behavior-based detection, cloud reputation, sandboxing, machine learning, and EDR telemetry. Many threats arrive through phishing, malicious attachments, or abuse of legitimate admin tools rather than classic “virus” executables. Detection speed, low false positives, and minimal performance impact are now key differentiators. Labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives still measure protection, performance, and usability. (AV-TEST)

The threat landscape in 2024–2025 — why protection still matters

Major security vendors and telemetry reports show the threat landscape remains active and complex:

Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2024 documents the ongoing prevalence of ransomware, credential theft, supply-chain attacks, and abuse of cloud services. The report emphasizes that attackers continue to innovate and that cloud migration and remote work increase attack surface. (Microsoft)
Independent lab tests continue to show malware in the wild and evaluate products against tens or hundreds of thousands of known and unknown samples in realistic scenarios. Keeping a layer that can detect unknown/zero-day behavior is important. (AV-TEST)

These realities mean that, while the type of protection needed has shifted (from purely signature-based to multi-layered detection and response), the need for protection has not disappeared. (Microsoft)

Myth vs. Fact — the 10 biggest claims people make (and the reality)

Myth 1 — “Windows Defender is enough; third-party AVs are irrelevant.”

Fact: Windows Security (Defender) has improved dramatically and scores highly in independent tests; for many users it provides excellent baseline protection. However, third-party products can offer stronger anti-phishing browsers extensions, extra ransomware rollbacks, identity monitoring, and additional privacy tools. Enterprise environments often still prefer specialized EDR solutions for detection/response and centralized management. (AV-TEST)

Myth 2 — “Antivirus can stop everything if updated.”

Fact: No single product can stop everything. Attackers use credential theft, social engineering, and living-off-the-land techniques (abusing built-in OS tools) which are difficult for signature-oriented AV to catch. Layered defenses and user behavior controls are required. (Microsoft)

Myth 3 — “Macs and iPhones don’t need protection.”

Fact: iOS is sandboxed and relatively resistant to classic malware — on iPhones, antivirus apps are rarely useful in the same way as on desktops. Macs are less targeted than Windows but are not immune; macOS AV and anti-malware tools are useful for protection against adware, PUPs, and mac-specific threats. Android devices face real malware and phishing risks. (Security.org)

Myth 4 — “Antivirus slows my PC down unacceptably.”

Fact: Modern AV engines run efficiently; many score well on performance benchmarks. Cloud-assisted scanning reduces local CPU impact. Choose products with good lab performance scores if speed is a concern. (AV-TEST)

Myth 5 — “If I use strong passwords and MFA I don’t need antivirus.”

Fact: Strong credentials and MFA reduce account takeover risk but do not stop malware that encrypts files locally (ransomware), logs keystrokes, or injects into browsers. Both identity controls and endpoint protection are complementary. (Microsoft)

Myth 6 — “Antivirus stops phishing.”

Fact: AV often blocks known phishing sites and malicious attachments, but the most convincing phishing attacks (credential phishing pages that mimic corporate login portals) may bypass AV until reported. Use browser anti-phishing, email filtering, and user training. (Microsoft)

Myth 7 — “Free AV is always safe to use.”

Fact: Good free AV options exist and can be adequate, but free tiers may lack firewalls, breach monitoring, or multi-device coverage. Review independent lab results and privacy policies before trusting a free product. (Security.org)

Myth 8 — “Antivirus catches supply-chain attacks.”

Fact: Supply-chain attacks are often signed and delivered through legitimate installers; behavior and anomaly detection help, but preventing such attacks needs secure update practices and vendor scrutiny beyond AV alone. (Microsoft)

Myth 9 — “IoT and smart home devices don’t need antivirus.”

Fact: Traditional antivirus doesn’t run on most IoT devices, but you should protect them via network segmentation, a secure router, firmware updates, and monitoring — and use gateway or network-level protections where available. (Microsoft)

Myth 10 — “AV is just a checkbox; malware always gets through.”

Fact: While no solution is perfect, AV combined with modern EDR, secure configuration, patching, and user education reduces risk drastically. It’s not a checkbox — it’s a necessary layer in a layered defense program. (AV-TEST)

What independent labs and vendors say in 2024–2025

Independent labs like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives continue to evaluate consumer AV products on protection, performance, and usability. Recent rounds show that built-in products (notably Microsoft Defender) often rank among the top performers in protection tests, while several third-party vendors also score very highly. If you’re deciding between built-in vs third-party, look at recent AV-TEST/AV-Comparatives scores for the specific OS and product version — the landscape changes with each quarterly test. (AV-TEST)

Key takeaway:

Microsoft Defender has reached parity for many consumers in lab tests, making it a valid baseline choice. (AV-TEST)
Third-party products still bring specialized tools (secure browsers, VPNs, identity monitoring, ransomware rollbacks) and sometimes better protection for multi-platform households. (AV-Comparatives)

Where built-in protection shines and where it doesn’t

Built-in strengths

Seamless updates and integration: Windows Security is integrated into Windows Update; this ensures timely signature and engine updates with minimal user interaction. (Microsoft)
Good default coverage: Modern built-ins provide antivirus, exploit mitigation, cloud reputation lookups, and basic firewall configuration. (Microsoft)
Low cost and low friction: No extra license to buy or manage for a typical single-user Windows PC. (Microsoft)

Built-in limitations

Feature gaps for power users: No built-in password manager, VPN, advanced ransomware rollback, or cross-platform identity tools (third-party suites may include these). (Security.org)
Enterprise needs: Centralized management, advanced EDR, threat hunting, and compliance features typically require third-party or enterprise-grade Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. (Microsoft)
Non-Windows platforms: Built-in options on macOS, Android, and iOS vary; mobile threats still need attention, and Android benefits from dedicated mobile security solutions. (SQ Magazine)

Common attack vectors in 2025 — what your antivirus must help defend against

Phishing and credential harvesting — attackers send convincing emails or use SMS/WhatsApp scams to collect credentials. AV helps by blocking known malicious pages and attachments but can’t replace MFA and training. (Microsoft)
Ransomware — attackers encrypt files and demand payment. Modern AV with behavior detection, controlled folder access, and reliable backups help. Major vendors still see ransomware as a core threat. (Microsoft)
Supply-chain attacks — malicious code in legitimate software updates or components; prevention requires vendor validation, code signing checks, and network controls. (Microsoft)
Living-off-the-land (LOTL) abuse — attackers use built-in tools (PowerShell, WMI) to avoid dropping binaries; EDR and behavior analytics are critical. (Microsoft)
Malicious ads (malvertising) — drive-by downloads or redirects that lead to malware; combined browser and AV protections reduce risk. (AV-TEST)

Mobile and IoT — do you need AV there?

iOS (iPhone/iPad): The platform’s sandboxing and app review model reduce traditional malware risk. Antivirus apps on iOS are limited by platform constraints and generally provide web filtering, VPN, or privacy monitoring rather than classic malware scanning. Most iPhone users do not need an antivirus in the traditional sense but should keep iOS updated, avoid jailbreaking, and enable MFA for important accounts. (Security.org)
Android: The Android ecosystem faces real malware and spyware threats, especially from apps outside official stores. Mobile security apps that provide app scanning, web protection, and phishing protection are recommended, especially for users who sideload apps or use Android devices for sensitive activities. (SQ Magazine)
IoT and smart devices: Traditional endpoint AV doesn’t run on most IoT devices. Protect IoT by network segmentation, change default passwords, apply firmware updates, and enable router-level protections. Consider a network security gateway or home router that performs device monitoring. (Microsoft)

Practical recommendations — what to do (individuals)

For the average home user (single PC / family)

Enable built-in protections: Keep Windows Security / macOS protections enabled and ensure automatic updates are on. (Microsoft)
Use strong authentication: Unique passwords + a password manager + MFA for key accounts (email, banking, cloud). (Microsoft)
Back up regularly: Local + offline or cloud backups with versioning; test restores. Backups protect you from ransomware even if AV fails to stop it. (Microsoft)
Consider a reputable third-party AV if you want extras: If you want browser anti-phishing, identity monitoring, VPNs, or parental controls in one bundle, choose a product with strong lab scores. (AV-TEST)

For power users and mixed OS households

Use cross-platform security suites that include macOS and Android coverage if you have many device types. (Security.org)
Harden browser and email settings: Use browser extensions that warn about phishing and configure email filtering where possible. (Microsoft)
Run periodic scans and enable real-time protection even if you use a built-in solution. (AV-TEST)

Practical recommendations — what to do (small business / enterprises)

Baseline: Endpoint protection on all endpoints (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or equivalent EDR) with centralized management and telemetry. Defender is a strong baseline for Windows environments and is widely used in enterprises — but configure and monitor it. (Microsoft)
EDR and threat hunting: Deploy EDR for collection of process telemetry, lateral movement detection, and automated containment. AV alone is insufficient for modern targeted threats.
Patching program: Implement systematic patching for OS and applications. Many compromises exploit known vulnerabilities.
Zero-trust and least privilege: Limit admin rights; use conditional access and MFA.
Incident response plan: Have tested IR playbooks, backups, and legal/cyber insurance contacts ready.

How to choose an antivirus or endpoint product in 2025 — checklist

When evaluating consumer or business AV products, look for:

Recent independent lab results (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs). Prefer products scoring highly for protection and low false positives. (AV-TEST)
Behavioral/heuristic detection and cloud reputation — not just signatures. (AV-TEST)
EDR capabilities (for businesses) — detection, response, and centralized telemetry. (Microsoft)
Ransomware protection features — controlled folder access, rollback, offline backups. (Microsoft)
Usability and performance — low impact on system resources and minimal false positives. Lab performance metrics help. (AV-TEST)
Privacy policy & telemetry — understand what data the vendor collects and how it’s used. (AV-Comparatives)
Cross-platform coverage and extras you actually need (VPN, password manager, parental controls). (Security.org)

Best practices to pair with antivirus (the “do more than install” list)

Keep software patched. Most breaches exploit known vulnerabilities.
Use MFA everywhere possible. This drastically reduces account takeover risks.
Backup offline and test restores. Ransomware + no backup = disaster.
Train users. Phishing simulations and training reduce click rates.
Network segmentation. Isolate critical systems from general traffic (IoT, guest Wi-Fi).

Common questions (FAQ)

Q: If Defender is good, why pay for anything else?
A: Defender is excellent as a baseline. You might pay for extra conveniences (password manager, VPN), advanced rollback options, or better multi-platform management across macOS and Android. Enterprises may need centralized EDR beyond Defender’s consumer features.

Q: I have a Mac — should I buy antivirus?
A: If you only browse the web and use the App Store, keeping macOS updated and avoiding suspicious downloads might suffice. If you download software from across the web, want additional privacy tools, or worry about adware/PUAs, consider a macOS security product. Check lab results for macOS products. (AV-Comparatives)

Q: Are free antivirus products safe?
A: Many reputable vendors offer free tiers that are useful. Verify recent independent test results and read privacy policies. Free usually lacks advanced extras. (Security.org)

Actionable 10-point checklist you can apply today

Enable Windows Security / built-in OS protections and automatic updates. (Microsoft)
Install and configure a password manager; enable MFA on email and cloud accounts. (Microsoft)
Set up at least two backup methods: local (external drive) and cloud (with versioning). Test restoration. (Microsoft)
If you use Android, install a reputable mobile security app; avoid sideloading untrusted APKs. (SQ Magazine)
Review and apply recent lab results before choosing a third-party AV. (AV-TEST)
Keep browsers and email clients patched; enable built-in phishing protections. (Microsoft)
Use network segmentation for IoT devices and change default router passwords. (Microsoft)
Restrict admin rights for daily work; use least privilege. (Microsoft)
Train at least once a year on phishing recognition for everyone in a household or organization. (Microsoft)
Keep an incident response plan & contact list (including backups and lawyer/insurer) for business owners. (Microsoft)

Final verdict — balanced, practical guidance

For most home users: Built-in protection (Windows Security, macOS built-ins) is a good and often sufficient baseline. Add a reliable backup strategy, password manager, and MFA. Consider a third-party AV if you want extra features (VPN, identity monitoring) or multi-platform management. (Microsoft)
For power users and families with mixed devices: A cross-platform security suite adds value — especially for Android devices and macOS coverage. Check independent lab scores before picking a vendor. (AV-TEST)
For businesses and high-risk users: Rely on centralized EDR, robust patching, least privilege, and an incident response plan. AV alone is not enough; detection + rapid response is essential. (Microsoft)

Antivirus is not a silver bullet, but in 2025 it remains an essential layer. The question isn’t “do you need antivirus?” so much as “what combination of baseline protection, additional security tooling, processes, and backups will reasonably reduce your risk to an acceptable level?” Follow layered defense, test your backups, and prioritize the controls that stop the highest-impact attacks (phishing, ransomware, stolen credentials). (Microsoft)