How do I prevent my email needing my intervention to open content , I am not using VPN.

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11,  Monterey macOS 12, Ventura macOS 13, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User.

The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.

AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

AVG AntiVirus  

Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.

IMHO - There has been sufficient advise offered for the User to make an informed and educated choice what the next course of action is required for this computer.

The suggestions have been put forth on a volunteer basis, in good faith and in the best interests of the computer.

The user may what to start by >>

Mail >> Preferences >> Privacy Tab and untick any or all boxes in below image

Then use the Link from here for additional insights  If you see 'Unable to load remote content privately' at the top of an email

Then, are there an AD Guard application installed and any Anti Virus software installed

This will include BitDefender , 

This will included Norton Antivirus , Sophos Av Software

Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, , Avast AntiVirus

Ad Guard, Webroot , ESET , Avira 

AVG AntiVirus  

Trustee  

Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.

Welcome and thank you too