New year, new device: The antivirus setup checklist everyone skips
by Kate Hernandez | January 12, 2026 | Threat Lab
Reading Time: 5 mins
A new year often brings new devices—whether it’s a phone, laptop, or tablet you upgraded over the holidays or replaced to start fresh.
But that clean slate doesn’t stay clean for long. New devices are often at their most vulnerable in the first days of use, before security is in place—making them an easy target for hackers. If antivirus software isn’t part of your initial setup, you could be opening the door to cyber threats before you’ve even logged in.
Why new devices are prime targets
Brand-new devices don’t usually come fully locked down out of the box. In fact, they often share a few risky traits:
- Operating systems that aren’t fully updated
- Default security settings that haven’t been customized
- No protection against malicious links or downloads
- Users eager to install apps, extensions, and tools quickly
Cybercriminals know this—and the timing matters.
According to the latest cybersecurity research from OpenText, consumer device malware infection rates rose year over year, climbing above 3% in 2024 after several years of decline. That upward trend is a clear sign that threats aren’t slowing down as we enter a new year—especially as millions of new devices come online at once.
The risk isn’t about being “important” or “interesting.” It’s about exposure during those early days before protections are in place.
A 5-step plan to keep your new devices safe
These five easy steps help you secure your new device from hackers right from the start.
Step 1: Update before you download
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most skipped steps.
Even brand-new devices may ship with operating systems that are weeks—or months—out of date. Those updates aren’t just about features. They close known security gaps that attackers actively exploit.
Before installing apps, syncing accounts, or clicking links:
- Run your OS updates
- Update default browsers
- Enable automatic updates where possible
This closes the most obvious doors attackers try first.
Step 2: Install antivirus early (not “eventually”)
Modern antivirus isn’t the clunky software many people remember. Today’s protection works quietly in the background, scanning files, links, and downloads without slowing your device down.
Installing antivirus software early means protection is already in place when you:
- Download apps or extensions
- Click links in email or text messages
- Shop, bank, or log into accounts
For everyday use, solutions like Webroot Essentials Antivirus, which provide lightweight, always-on protection that’s easy to install and manage—making it a natural part of new device setup, not an afterthought.
Step 3: Everyday malware consumers actually encounter
Malware doesn’t usually look like malware.
Most consumer infections today come from things that appear completely normal—until they aren’t:
- Fake apps posing as popular tools or games
- Emails or texts pretending to be delivery notices or account alerts
- Malicious ads that trigger downloads
- Look-alike websites with slightly misspelled URLs
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), more than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email—proving that most threats don’t begin with sophisticated hacking, but with everyday messages designed to look legitimate.
This is exactly why antivirus protection matters on new devices: it helps catch threats that rely on deception, not technical complexity.
Step 4: Why “my device feels slower” happens
Many people assume slow performance is just part of owning a device over time. But in many cases, sluggish behavior starts much earlier than expected.
- Common causes include:
- Hidden malware running in the background
- Unwanted browser extensions
- Unsafe downloads consuming system resources
- Adware tracking activity
For users who game, stream, or multitask heavily, performance matters even more. That’s why lightweight protection—like Webroot Antivirus for PC Gamers, designed to run fast and in the background without interrupting gameplay or streaming—can help keep devices fast while still protected.
Step 5: Build a simple security routine
Security works best when it’s repeatable—not a one-time task you forget about.
- A simple routine might look like this:
- Keep automatic updates turned on
- Use antivirus protection on every device
- Pause before clicking unexpected links or downloads
- Run occasional scans for peace of mind
Think of it as part of your new device setup checklist, right alongside Wi-Fi, apps, and account logins. It’s also the foundation of a smarter 2026 security routine—one that protects your digital life without adding stress.
Make antivirus part of your default setup
New devices deserve a strong start.
Antivirus shouldn’t be something you add after a problem shows up. It should be as automatic as connecting to WiFi or signing into your email.
By installing solutions such as Webroot Essentials early, staying updated, and keeping security simple, you reduce your risk from day one—and keep your devices running the way they’re supposed to.
Start the year protected. Make antivirus part of your default setup, not an afterthought.
Additional information
FTC online privacy and security advice
