Here’s Why You Don’t Need Antivirus Software in 2024
At some point in the not-so-distant past, paying for antivirus software was considered essential for anyone using a PC. In today’s world, however, that advice is outdated. Many Americans, especially older generations, continue to pay for third-party antivirus programs out of habit. The truth? You probably don’t need to spend a single cent on it anymore.
Antivirus Software by the Numbers
According to a recent survey by Security.org, around 54% of Americans rely solely on the default virus protection that comes with their devices. The other 46% still opt for third-party antivirus software. Out of this group, just over half are willing to pay for it — roughly 33 million households in total. Norton and McAfee account for the majority of these customers, with a combined 52% of the market, while Kaspersky, now banned in the U.S., makes up a small 4%.
What’s interesting is the generational gap in who’s paying for antivirus. Older Americans, particularly those over 65, are twice as likely to subscribe to paid antivirus services compared to people under 45. This suggests that the older generation, having grown up with PC security threats, sticks to what makes them feel secure — even if it’s no longer necessary.
How to Protect Your Tech in 2024
These days, it’s more likely that your device’s operating system has all the protection you need built-in. If you’re using a modern device, whether a PC, Mac, or smartphone, the default security measures are robust enough to fend off the majority of malware and threats. Here’s what you need to know:
iOS and Android: Mobile app stores managed by the OS developers already filter out malicious apps before you even download them. This ensures your phone is much less vulnerable to malware.
macOS: Macs come equipped with XProtect, a background antimalware feature that’s been quietly protecting users for over a decade. It covers most of the same threats that third-party antivirus software would detect.
Windows: Microsoft Defender Antivirus, bundled with every Windows device, has undergone significant upgrades over the years. It regularly ranks among the top security solutions with protection scores of 99% to 100% in independent tests, making it just as good, if not better, than paid antivirus options.
What’s even better is that modern software updates automatically, meaning many vulnerabilities are patched before they can be exploited. Combine this with built-in email filters, network firewalls, and your own common sense (don’t click on shady links), and the chances of infection are slim.
The Evolution of Threats
In the early 2000s, viruses would often spread via email attachments or network vulnerabilities, but those attack vectors have largely been closed off today. Back then, having a third-party antivirus program was necessary to combat a wide range of threats that could easily infiltrate through basic means. But in 2024, cybercriminals are targeting bigger fish.
The majority of attacks now are aimed at businesses, not individual consumers. These hackers target corporations and government institutions, using vulnerabilities found in enterprise-level software rather than consumer-grade devices. Major breaches, like the SolarWinds and MOVEit attacks, exploited flaws in widely used business tools, impacting large organizations, not everyday users.
If you’re a typical PC user at home, your chances of being targeted are slim. Large criminal organizations have little financial incentive to go after small-scale users, as their efforts are far more rewarding when aimed at businesses with deep pockets. In short, your home PC is rarely a priority for these cybercriminals.
Why Built-in Security is Enough
Let’s take a closer look at Microsoft Defender Antivirus. It’s not just the free option that comes with Windows; it’s a fully capable antivirus program that has been consistently improving over the past seven years. It detects malware, blocks phishing attacks, and protects against ransomware — all while running quietly in the background, without the need for a subscription.
But even beyond antivirus software, the layers of protection that modern operating systems offer are vast. Automatic updates, secure email clients, and network firewalls all work together to create a robust defense. Your best line of defense remains the same: stay updated, avoid suspicious links, and don’t download files from untrusted sources.
When Do You Need Extra Protection?
There’s a clear distinction between personal and corporate security needs. While individual users can rely on built-in security features, businesses and organizations need a far more sophisticated approach to fend off advanced attacks. Endpoint monitoring, real-time network protection, and threat detection systems are critical for companies handling sensitive data.
If your employer asks you to install additional security software on your work machine, take them at their word. They’re operating on a different threat model, where the stakes are much higher. But as a consumer, rest assured that you’re unlikely to be a target.
The Bottom Line
If you’re still paying for antivirus protection from Norton, McAfee, or any other third-party software, it’s time to cancel that subscription. For most people, built-in protections on modern devices are more than sufficient to handle the few threats that might come your way. Cybercriminals have shifted their focus away from individual users and toward businesses, leaving small fry like you relatively safe.
In today’s landscape, paying for antivirus is largely a relic of the past. So, save your money, update your devices regularly, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re already protected — for free.
If you still feel uncertain or need more advanced security for specific reasons, make sure you consult with an expert, but for the vast majority of users, it’s time to let those paid antivirus subscriptions expire. Your wallet will thank you.