Do I need Mackeeper?

I wouldn't install any anti-virus software on my Mac.

For info:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-your-mac-to-be-secure-flvlt003/mac

Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/protect-your-mac-from-malware-mh40596/mac

macOS has many features that help protect your Mac and your personal information from malicious software, or malware. One common way malware is distributed is by embedding it in a harmless-lhttps://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/ways-to-keep-your-information-safe-on-mac-mh11402/mac

Ways to keep your information safe on Mac

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/ways-to-keep-your-information-safe-on-mac-mh11402/mac

Mackeeper is overpriced and lacks functionality which you can get from other endpoint protection products.

I do use a third party product. The security features provided by Apple are good and the information on their website is accurate but it is essentially marketing material so does not cover the whole story. If you want to use a security product I'd recommend you use one made by a company specialising in security which supports macOS rather than a company which specialises in macOS products. Being able to keep up with changes in malware is important.

Do consider where you are most likely to come across malware. In my case it is browsing the web so protection in that environment was important. And don't forget about the impact on performance. No matter how good an endpoint protection product is, it will have some impact and there are some which have a reputation for having a significant impact.

P. Phillips wrote:

Malware can only infect the macOS if the User Purposely interacts / installer with an infect download for Shady Third Party websites.

This information is misleading. Yes, installation is not a fully automated process but for years the writers of malware have been using social engineering to trick people into installing their software. The person installing usually either believes what they are installing is not malware or they have got into the habit of clicking on confirmations without too much thought. It was only a couple of months ago that there was news about Apple withdrawing a developer certificate after 30,000 Macs had been "infected".

Also, malware may be found on what you refer to as "shady third party websites" but it is not restricted to them. Legitimate websites can be hacked and used for malware distribution.

Nobody should rely on an anti-malware product and ignore good habits and other methods of reducing the risk but the all too common attitude that using macOS and following Apple's advice means there is no need for anything else is misguided.

The most important is Due Diligence on the part of the User and is a Prerequisite. Disagree with " This information is misleading." This is only an opinion not based on fact. The user is responsible for where and what ever is downloaded / installed regardless of Source.

Apple has gone a long way to perfect the OS from such insidious and tricky " Socially Engineered " software / malware but ultimately the User is Responsible.

Legitimate Web site - define.

Ok, I've read all other comments, and I think we should cut Mackeeper some slack. Their former reputation should not affect our today's opinion. God teaches us ways of redemption. I think Mackeeper did just that - redeem itself.

I mean, I do agree that, perhaps, no one should ever need software like Mackeeper, but let's be objective.

Just try simply googling "Mackeeper review", and you'll find articles like https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mackeeper and https://www.techradar.com/reviews/mackeeper-5. And those are quite reputable outlets.

Mackeeper has a horrible reputation in posts on this forum.

Personally, I would never use it and don't feel the need to use any 3rd party app like that. See: https://www.apple.com/macos/security/

Effective defenses against malware and other threats

Malware can only infect the macOS if the User Purposely interacts / installer with an infect download for Shady Third Party websites.

If you want trouble, download MacKeeper.

It is your computer. If you want to install unneeded third party apps that is up to you.