Customers across the United States who rely on Kaspersky’s antivirus software are experiencing a significant transition as their existing protection has been replaced by a new offering from UltraAV. This change, which Kaspersky attributes to its decision to exit the US market following Department of Commerce sanctions, has caught some users off guard, despite prior communications via email.
Transition Details
Kaspersky announced its partnership with UltraAV, a subsidiary of the Pango Group based in Burlington, Massachusetts, to ensure that US customers continue to receive robust cybersecurity protection. In a statement to CNET, Kaspersky emphasized that they have been proactive in informing eligible users about this transition through a series of email updates. The implementation of this switch is being conducted in phases to guarantee a seamless experience for users, minimizing any potential disruption in their security coverage.
For those interested in the specifics of the new software, UltraAV provides a dedicated webpage detailing its features. The antivirus solution includes a password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection, and can be utilized on up to 20 devices, although it does not extend to iOS devices. However, UltraAV does offer its UltraVPN service for iOS users.
In terms of billing, UltraAV assures customers that there will be no changes to fees, and users will receive clear instructions on how to activate their new accounts. A comparison chart highlights the differences between the two services: while UltraAV lacks Kaspersky’s webcam protection and online payment safeguards, it compensates with features such as real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, and a substantial $1 million identity theft insurance policy—benefits that were not part of Kaspersky’s offerings.
Notifications regarding the transition began rolling out on September 5, with alerts sent via email, as well as through the Kaspersky app and user account pages. Users should note that Kaspersky support and updates will cease on September 30, marking a definitive end to the software’s presence in the US market.