Is it still necessary to buy antivirus software in 2025?

Key Points	Details to Remember
🔒 Definition	Software for protection against malware
🚀 Evolution	Integration of artificial intelligence
🛡️ Alternatives	Firewall and cloud security
💡 Features	Behavioral and zero-day analysis
💸 Cost	Subscriptions vs free versions
🎯 Necessity	Contextualize according to personal or professional use

Antivirus software has long been considered the first line of defense on a PC or Mac. Yet, at the dawn of 2025, operating system developers are integrating increasingly sophisticated protections and threats are moving into the cloud or targeting other vectors. Should we therefore keep control with a paid antivirus subscription, or are free and native tools enough? This article dives into the question, compares approaches, and offers some recommendations to secure your workstation and your data.

How Threats Have Changed Since 2020

In recent years, attacks have shifted from a fairly standardized volume of viruses to targeted threats, often driven by criminal networks or even States. Where a classic virus sought to spread, we now see sophisticated ransomware, stealthy Trojans, and groups exploiting social engineering in a surgical manner.

Cybercriminals no longer hesitate to combine several techniques in the same operation. After intrusion via phishing, a script can take control, encrypt files, and demand a ransom within minutes. “Zero-day” attacks remain formidable: previously undocumented vulnerabilities are exploited within an hour to penetrate a corporate network before a patch is deployed.

Classic Malware vs Targeted Threats

Traditional malware simply modifies or corrupts a file. In contrast, a targeted threat aims at a specific profile, often an organization or a key individual. One might think that a well-configured antivirus is enough to detect the former, but for the latter, behavioral analysis or human intervention remains essential.

The Cloud and the Rise of BYOD

The massive use of SaaS (Software as a Service) changes the game. Threats spread beyond the local perimeter: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, cloud servers… All of this escapes an antivirus installed on your hard drive. In a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) context, mixing professional and personal uses increases the attack surface, leaving simple virus signatures ineffective against intrusions on servers.

The Limits of Traditional Antivirus

The traditional antivirus follows a well-known model: it scans files, compares signatures, and deletes or quarantines what looks like malicious code. This approach shows its weaknesses as soon as it comes to detecting polymorphic malware or when an intrusion relies on a slight code change.

In reality, several areas have become priorities for security: real-time process monitoring, application isolation, sandboxing, and abnormal behavior detection. A simple scan cannot compete with these technologies, even if some vendors try to integrate them.

False Negatives and False Positives

It is easy to imagine a case where an antivirus misses a sophisticated ransomware (false negative). But just as troublesome, a false positive can isolate a critical system file, cause a crash, or even block the update of an essential driver. The fine tuning between security and availability then becomes a real headache for the user and the administrator.

Heaviness and Resource Consumption

From Windows Defender to the most comprehensive suites, the impact on CPU and disk remains tangible. On a professional computer, installing a suite that is too heavy can slow down application loading, lengthen compilation times for a developer, or simply drain the battery life of a laptop.

Alternatives or Complements to Antivirus

Faced with the mentioned limits, more and more consultants recommend a multilayered approach. The goal is not to eliminate the antivirus, but to integrate it into an ecosystem where each component strengthens the others.

• Application and hardware firewall: filters incoming and outgoing connections, prevents unauthorized communications.
• EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response): collects process data, triggers alerts on abnormal behaviors, and facilitates investigation.
• Patch management: outdated software is always an open door. Automating patches remains an essential reflex.
• Strong authentication: unique passwords, MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), and certificates drastically reduce the risk of access compromise.

Integrated Security of Operating Systems

macOS, Windows, and even some Linux distributions now include deep protection modules. Windows Defender is approaching a professional suite, with script blocking, cloud analysis, and anti-phishing protection. For standard use, this default solution may suffice, especially if complemented by a properly configured firewall.

Should You Still Buy a Paid Antivirus in 2025?

If you are an occasional user, browse reputable sites, and handle few sensitive documents, free and native tools can meet most of your needs. However, for a professional, a gamer, or anyone handling confidential information, subscribing to a more robust solution remains wise.

Paid offers generally stand out by:

• dedicated technical support,
• more frequent updates,
• cloud backup features,
• access to an integrated VPN or a password manager,
• financial guarantee in case of ransomware.

These additional services can justify an investment of 20 to 60 € per year, depending on the vendor and the number of devices covered.

How to choose your antivirus solution?

Rather than a brand comparison, focus on:

• Compatibility with your system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and your other security tools.
• Detection rate in independent tests (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives).
• Lightness of the suite: ensure a controlled impact on performance.
• Support and guarantees: in case of infection, a hotline or a refund can make a difference.
• Additional features: VPN, disk encryption, password manager, mobile device protection.

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