Department of Commerce Archives

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Huawei Continues Its Move Away From American Software

Huawei is shifting away from reliance on American software and is preparing to introduce alternatives to Microsoft Windows due to being placed on the U.S. Entity List, which limits its access to American software and services. Since launching HarmonyOS in 2021, Huawei is now set to launch its own desktop operating systems as its Microsoft license nears expiration, making it unlikely to receive an extension. Huawei plans to expand HarmonyOS into desktop and laptop PCs, potentially using the Android Open Source Project as a foundation, and may also consider various Linux distributions as alternatives to Windows. This shift could impact Microsoft's market share, especially in regions outside the U.S., and may provide opportunities for Linux to gain popularity as it closes the functionality gap with Windows.

Tech Optimizer

October 8, 2024

“Kaspersky Lab” lost access to Google Play due to US restrictions

Google has removed Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software from its Google Play store and closed the company's developer account, following U.S. restrictions imposed on September 29. Kaspersky Lab has criticized this decision as an "over-interpretation" of the restrictions, asserting that the regulations do not ban the sale and distribution of its products outside the U.S. Users who previously installed the app can still use it but will not receive updates or be able to reinstall it. The removal was first noted by users on September 27, with Kaspersky confirming it two days later. Google cited the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security sanctions as the reason for the removal. These sanctions led Kaspersky Lab to stop operations in the U.S. market and switch to alternative antivirus solutions from UltraAV without notifying users.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2024

Antivirus Software Kaspersky Automatically Switching to UltraAV – CIO News

Kaspersky antivirus software users in the United States will transition to UltraAV due to Kaspersky's exit from the US market following Department of Commerce sanctions. Kaspersky has communicated this change via email, ensuring a seamless transition for eligible users. The transition will occur in phases to maintain protection, and UltraAV's software includes features like a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection for up to 20 devices (excluding iOS). Users will receive instructions for account activation, with no changes to invoicing or pricing. Notifications about the transition began on September 5, and Kaspersky support will end after September 30.

Tech Optimizer

September 29, 2024

Kaspersky Antivirus Software Is Automatically Transitioning to UltraAV

Kaspersky antivirus software users in the United States will transition to UltraAV's antivirus protection due to Kaspersky's exit from the US market following sanctions imposed by the Department of Commerce. Kaspersky has partnered with UltraAV, a subsidiary of the Pango Group, to provide continued cybersecurity protection. The transition will occur in phases to ensure a seamless experience for users, and information has been communicated through emails and a dedicated webpage. UltraAV's software includes features such as a password manager, VPN services, and identity theft protection, but lacks some features of Kaspersky's software. Billing and fees will remain unchanged, and users will receive instructions for activating their new accounts. Notifications about the transition started on September 5, and Kaspersky support and updates will end on September 30.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

US-based Kaspersky users startled by unexpected UltraAV installation – Help Net Security

US-based Kaspersky customers have expressed concern after UltraAV software unexpectedly appeared on their devices due to a poorly managed transition process following a nationwide ban on Kaspersky antivirus solutions by the US Department of Commerce, effective in late September 2024. Kaspersky announced a partnership with UltraAV and a transition plan, but communication was unclear, leading to confusion among users. Some received emails about activating new accounts, while others did not. A software update rolled out on September 19 resulted in UltraAV being installed without user consent, causing suspicions of malware. UltraAV's FAQ indicated that the software is activated on Windows systems, while Mac, Android, and iOS users must download it manually. Users are considering canceling subscriptions and uninstalling UltraAV and UltraVPN due to trust issues. Rob Joyce, former NSA Director of Cybersecurity, warned about the risks of granting root-level access to software, emphasizing the need for caution in trusting such solutions.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

US Kaspersky customers startled by forced switch to ‘rando’ AV software

Kaspersky customers in the United States are experiencing an automatic transition to UltraAV antivirus software, developed by Pango Group, following a ban on Kaspersky products by the Biden administration due to security risks. Many users were surprised and frustrated by the abrupt switch, discovering unfamiliar software installed on their devices without prior notice. Complaints have surfaced on social media and Kaspersky's support forum regarding the lack of information about UltraAV and concerns over the transition process. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security identified Kaspersky's products as potential security risks, leading to the ban. Kaspersky announced that updates to its software would cease by September 29, and although Pango stated that notifications were sent to customers, many reported not receiving them. Customers had the option to opt out of the transition by contacting customer service, but many feel the process could have been handled more effectively.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

Kaspersky Antivirus Software Automatically Transitions to UltraAV for US Subscribers

Customers in the United States using Kaspersky's antivirus software are transitioning to a new product from UltraAV due to Kaspersky's exit from the US market following Department of Commerce sanctions. Kaspersky has partnered with UltraAV, a subsidiary of the Pango Group, to continue providing cybersecurity protection. Users have been informed of this change through email updates, and the transition is being implemented in phases to minimize disruption. UltraAV's antivirus includes features like a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection for up to 20 devices, but lacks Kaspersky's webcam protection and online payment safeguards. Billing will remain unchanged, and users will receive instructions for activating their new accounts. Notifications about the transition started on September 5, and Kaspersky support will end on September 30.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2024

Kaspersky Rolls Back for US Customers, Makes Way for UltraAV

Kaspersky has withdrawn its anti-malware software from US customers due to a ban by the US Department of Commerce and has partnered with UltraAV to provide automatic replacements. Following its addition to the Entity List in June, Kaspersky ceased US operations and laid off its workforce. The Biden administration's ban was based on national security concerns. In September, Kaspersky informed customers about the transition to UltraAV, but communication was unclear, leading to user confusion. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with UltraAV, citing trust issues and difficulties with system scans. The transition took effect on September 19, with Kaspersky assuring customers of maintained security standards. Users have shared instructions for removing UltraAV, but the effectiveness of these solutions is uncertain.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2024

Kaspersky Users in US Find Antivirus Software Automatically Replaced

Kaspersky customers in the United States have had their antivirus software replaced by UltraAV due to the U.S. Department of Commerce prohibiting Kaspersky from selling or updating certain products. The transition occurred through a software update on September 19, automatically replacing Kaspersky’s software to maintain uninterrupted security services. UltraAV offers features comparable to Kaspersky, including antivirus protection, VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection. Approximately 1 million users are affected by this change, and Kaspersky has assured customers that they will continue to receive reliable antivirus services under their existing subscriptions. However, some users have expressed concerns about the suddenness of the transition and the reputation of UltraAV, which is owned by Pango Group and has limited independent reviews available.

Tech Optimizer

June 23, 2024

White House Bans Kaspersky Sales, Citing ‘Unacceptable’ Security Risk — Redmondmag.com

The U.S. government has banned all sales of Kaspersky Lab software due to concerns about cyber espionage, citing an "unacceptable risk" to national security.