Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has switched its antivirus software on American computers to UltraAV's service without alerting users. The change comes after Kaspersky halted operations in the U.S., following its inclusion on the U.S. Entity List, which identifies foreign entities seen as national security risks.
Regulatory Actions and Corporate Decisions
The Biden administration, citing security concerns, banned Kaspersky's software sales and updates in the U.S., effective September 29, 2024. As part of its response, Kaspersky began reducing its presence in the country, including workforce reductions starting July 20. Customers were informed by email that their digital protection would continue with UltraAV, a service provided by Pango Group, after Kaspersky ceased operations in America.
The stealth installation of UltraAV has left users perplexed and worried, with many voicing concerns on online platforms about the risk of unwanted software. Some users managed to remove UltraAV via its own uninstaller, but there were instances of the software reappearing post-restart. Additionally, individuals with Kaspersky VPN subscriptions found UltraVPN automatically added to their systems.
Company Responses and User Guidance
Kaspersky communicated via its forums that its collaboration with UltraAV ensures continuous security for U.S. clients. An update rolled out on September 19 enabled the shift to UltraAV to prevent any security gaps. According to UltraAV's website, the switch aims to maintain feature parity with Kaspersky's software. Users seeking more details can access the FAQ section or reach out to UltraAV's support team.
While some users were in the dark about the impending switch, others were informed via email. A past reseller of Kaspersky products expressed disappointment about the automatic swap of antivirus software. A spokesperson for Pango confirmed customer notifications about the transition were sent in early September.
Impact on Industry and Future Developments
The sudden software replacement has prompted discussions on communication and execution strategy among users, with concerns about the transition's transparency. Kaspersky has not yet offered further remarks on the incident, which highlights the intricate challenges faced by global firms under strict regulatory scrutiny.
Last Updated on September 25, 2024 2:10 pm CEST
