In a significant shift for users of Kaspersky antivirus software in the United States, the Moscow-based cybersecurity firm has announced a transition to UltraAV’s antivirus protection. This change, which has taken some customers by surprise, follows Kaspersky’s decision to exit the US market due to sanctions imposed by the Department of Commerce. The news was initially communicated via email, but reports from sources such as The Hacker News and TechCrunch indicate that not all users were adequately informed.
Details of the Transition
Kaspersky has partnered with UltraAV, a subsidiary of the Pango Group based in Burlington, Massachusetts, to ensure that its US customers continue to receive robust cybersecurity protection. In a statement to CNET, Kaspersky emphasized that they are implementing the transition in phases to maintain a seamless experience for users, thereby preventing any lapse in security as they withdraw from the market.
The company reassured customers that information regarding this transition has been disseminated through a series of emails from both Kaspersky and UltraAV. A dedicated webpage has also been established to provide comprehensive details about the new UltraAV product, which boasts features such as:
- Password manager
- VPN services
- Identity theft protection
UltraAV’s antivirus software is designed to protect up to 20 devices, although it does not extend to iOS devices. However, users can access UltraVPN for their iOS needs. Importantly, UltraAV has confirmed that billing and fees will remain unchanged, and users will receive clear instructions on how to activate their new accounts.
While UltraAV’s offering lacks some features found in Kaspersky’s software, such as webcam protection and online payment safeguards, it compensates with additional benefits. These include real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, and a substantial million identity theft insurance policy—features that were not available in Kaspersky’s suite.
Notifications regarding the transition began reaching customers on September 5, with alerts also visible in the Kaspersky app and user account pages. It is important to note that Kaspersky support and updates will cease on September 30, marking a definitive end to the company’s operations in the US market.
