How macOS blocks malware, and topping it up
Every Mac has built-in malware protection called XProtect. It works quietly in the background, updates itself, and removes known threats, so most people don't need to buy anything extra.
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What XProtect does
XProtect scans apps as they run and blocks known malware. Apple pushes new definitions to it automatically, separately from the big macOS updates, so it stays current. You don't need to switch it on, it's simply there.
Keep it effective
XProtect relies on your Mac being up to date. Turn on automatic updates (there's a separate guide for that) so it keeps receiving the latest protection. That single habit does more than any add-on.
When to add a scanner
If you handle sensitive work, share a lot of files with others, or just want a second opinion, a reputable on-demand scanner such as Malwarebytes Free is a sensible top-up. Run it occasionally rather than leaving several security tools running at once, which can slow things down for little gain.
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