2024-09-29 17:48:42
If you are using Kaspersky antivirus software in the U.S., it is recommended to uninstall and replace it with antivirus protection from a different company, UltraAV. The Moscow-based cybersecurity firm states that the change was communicated to customers via email, but it seems to still be catching some by surprise, according to sites including The Hacker News and TechCrunch.
The reason for the change dates back to a July announcement from Kaspersky that it would be exiting the U.S. market due to the Department of Commerce sanctions against the company that prohibit its software.
In a statement to CNET, Kaspersky says it has partnered with UltraAV, a company owned by Pango Group, a holding company based in Burlington, Massachusetts, to keep customers based in the U.S. protected.
“Information about the transition has been communicated to all eligible U.S. users for the replacement, in a series of email communications from Kaspersky and UltraAV,” the company stated. “Kaspersky and UltraAV are implementing the transition in waves to ensure that the process is smooth and that users do not experience a gap in their protection following Kaspersky’s exit from the market.”
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A webpage provides detailed information about the transition and the UltraAV product. The company welcomes users to the software, which it states includes a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection. Its antivirus software can be used on up to 20 devices, but that does not include iOS devices. However, the company offers its UltraVPN software for iOS.
UltraAV states that billing and fees will not change and that users will receive instructions on how to activate their new accounts.
In a graphic comparing features, UltraAV notes that it lacks Kaspersky’s webcam and online payment protection features, but it does have real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, and a $1 million identity theft insurance, features that are missing from Kaspersky’s software. UltraAV mentions that customers began receiving notifications about the transition on September 5 via email and that there were also notifications in the Kaspersky app and on account pages.
The deadline for receiving support or updates from Kaspersky is September 30. according to UltraAV’s FAQ.