How to temporarily disable sophos anti virus?

Question

Hi, 
 I need to temporarily disable sophos anti virus to download an exam. Can anyone please explain how to do this? Thanks

ruckus · Answer

I found this: http://support.examsoft.com/h/i/286119075-disabling-sophos-antivirus 
 Seems like a bit of a blunt answer to any and all issues with security software blocking the exam. "There may be problems...why not disable the whole thing". Obviously, from a security position, it is never recommended to disable your antivirus software. However, it's your choice at the end of the day (if it is your own computer and you are allowed to do it). You posted on the General forum so it's hard to judge which Sophos Anti-Virus software you have. 
 Sophos has different antivirus software versions (Windows, Mac, locally controlled, centrally configured by a web console). However to disable it depends on what version you have. Since you mention Mac OS and a home installation that narrows it down a bit. However, it could still be centrally controlled, say through the Sophos Home web console, or locally. 
 If it's local, then this video should point you in the right direction... 
 
 If you're using Sophos Home your would have to log into the https://home.sophos.com/ dashboard and drill down to your computer and toggle the AV to off and then wait a minute for the setting to be relayed to the computer. Example...

David Birdsall · Answer

btn said: 
 Hi ruckus, 
 Is there a way to disable on-access scanning in any of the modern versions of the Sophos Mac client without needing network access, accessing the cloud UI, and then waiting for the server to update the client? I still use 9.6.5 because it has the On-access Scanning Preference, and other Preferences that don't rely on a network connection when I want to temporarily change them. 
 Thanks! 
 -Brian 
 
 Brian, 
 It depends on the particular Sophos product and the version installed. In most modern versions, no. 
 Enterprise clients are designed to be tamper resistant against most users. 
 Sophos Home clients are designed be worry-free for the set-it-and-forget-it needs of non-techsavvy users.