Normally people don't change AVs when they are paid, but people (like me) tend to change them when we get it free or it is free. However, in the few minutes between the antivirus change you have no protection other than your common sense! So here are some tips to minimize attack during that critical period.
Tip #1: Be sure you always have a firewall on!
Firewalls are critical for your system, as they protect against "self-destructing" worms that go without any user interaction. Be sure when you uninstall an antivirus that the windows firewall is on and working or else you're just inviting everybody into your house...
Tips #2: No Program Installations Allowed...
No. Absolutely no. It can wait a little bit. Don't install anything, including network drivers, software programs, attachments, excluding the antivirus itself. If installing is a must, pay attention to the UAC prompt to see which publisher it came from. For example:
Program Name: Best Antivirus Pro
Publisher: Evil In Disguise Pty.
Errr, probably not...
Sorry, more coming soon in the update tomorrow, it's 11:30 already
Update:
Tips #3: Scan Scan Scan!
After changing the Antivirus, perform a full system scan using it. Also, scan using any on-demand scanners you have. Run:
-Your AV scan
-Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
-Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Tip #4: Virtual Unplug
Physically unplugging from the internet is reccommended, but it may be a challenge, so "virtually" unplug from the internet. Never surf (except for your AV site, duh
)anywhere, not even MalwareTips! Always say no to anything suspicious or open any programs in this critical time. Also, never, ever view any attachments in email during this time (or ever without being extra-cautious).
Tip #5: If you're worried... Install A Companion AV!
Seriously. Install some protection when your old AV is still active. First see Umbra's guide about running 2 AV at the same time, then n.nvt's guide (all in this tutorial section). If you're ready, install something like Emsisoft or Webroot temporarily and uninstall 'em when you're done changing. Or keep them and pay extra to get better protection.
Tip #1: Be sure you always have a firewall on!
Firewalls are critical for your system, as they protect against "self-destructing" worms that go without any user interaction. Be sure when you uninstall an antivirus that the windows firewall is on and working or else you're just inviting everybody into your house...
Tips #2: No Program Installations Allowed...
No. Absolutely no. It can wait a little bit. Don't install anything, including network drivers, software programs, attachments, excluding the antivirus itself. If installing is a must, pay attention to the UAC prompt to see which publisher it came from. For example:
Program Name: Best Antivirus Pro
Publisher: Evil In Disguise Pty.
Errr, probably not...
Sorry, more coming soon in the update tomorrow, it's 11:30 already
Update:
Tips #3: Scan Scan Scan!
After changing the Antivirus, perform a full system scan using it. Also, scan using any on-demand scanners you have. Run:
-Your AV scan
-Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
-Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Tip #4: Virtual Unplug
Physically unplugging from the internet is reccommended, but it may be a challenge, so "virtually" unplug from the internet. Never surf (except for your AV site, duh
)anywhere, not even MalwareTips! Always say no to anything suspicious or open any programs in this critical time. Also, never, ever view any attachments in email during this time (or ever without being extra-cautious).Tip #5: If you're worried... Install A Companion AV!
Seriously. Install some protection when your old AV is still active. First see Umbra's guide about running 2 AV at the same time, then n.nvt's guide (all in this tutorial section). If you're ready, install something like Emsisoft or Webroot temporarily and uninstall 'em when you're done changing. Or keep them and pay extra to get better protection.
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