Kaspersky Exits US, Forcibly Switches Users To UltraAV

Recently we reported on the US government planning to ban the sale and import of connected car technology from Chinese and Russian companies as it looks to safeguard the country from potential data and privacy risks that could compromise national security.

While this decision isn’t finalized yet, one that was decided was the prohibition and thereby exit of Kaspersky Lab Inc. from the United States.

While the company complied with the order, it strived to ensure its users didn’t face any inconvenience or lapse in security, its transition move came with an interesting spin.

So, what was Kaspersky’s transition carried out? Let’s explore!

What Brought About Kaspersky’s Transition?

 

• In a press release dated June 20, 2024, the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a Final Determination that prohibited the Russia-owned anti-virus software and cybersecurity company from “directly or indirectly providing anti-virus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to US persons.”

• The order spanned a ban on the sale of Kaspersky products and updates for current users and applied to the company’s affiliates, subsidiaries and parent companies.

• At the time, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, “Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people.”

• Despite Kaspersky denying any connection to the Russian government, the order required its users to find alternative software by September 29, 2024.

• The order resulted in the company beginning to wind down operations in the US from July 20, 2024, which included laying off its employees.

• While Kaspersky continued delivering services as per usual, it was also preparing for its transition to exit the country, one that came with an interesting spin.

What Does Kaspersky’s Transition Consist Of?

 

• Beginning on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Kaspersky began erasing its anti-malware software from its users' computers across the United States.

• Replacing itself, the company automatically installed UltraAV's antivirus solution on its users’ computers.

• While the move came as the company wanted to ensure it kept customers protected, it left many customers shocked, confused and thinking their devices were infected with malware.

• The company had sent out emails beginning September 5, 2024, highlighting how the upcoming change would allow users to receive “reliable cybersecurity protection” from its “trusted partner – UltraAV".

• However, it failed to mention that its products would automatically be deleted and replaced by UltraAV without any prior notification.

• The change-up was pushed through a security update.

• Customers using Kaspersky’s VPN also found UltraAV’s VPN installed.

• There isn’t much information about the company, other than it’s a part of Pango Group, it holds a wide range of VPN brands, including Hotspot Shield, UltraVPN and Betternet and operates a VPN software review website called Comparitech.

How Did Users React To The Transition?

 

• One user replied to a thread on Reddit saying, “I know they sent an email out to everyone, but some people may have switched email addresses and such, and not received it. Kaspersky should have also pushed a popup about the automatic switch prior to actually pushing the switch.”

• Another reply read, “I got jump scared, thinking a virus somehow gotten into my system (Didn't know anything about the transfer) I'm also uninstalling this now.”

• Users who thought they successfully uninstalled UltraAV’s software found themselves more concerned when they found it reinstalled as they restarted their devices.

What Did Kaspersky’s Official Statement Say?

 

• A Kaspersky employee shared an official statement from Kaspersky and UltraAV on the recent update on the company’s official forums.

• “Following the recent decision by the US Department of Commerce that prohibits Kaspersky from selling or updating certain antivirus products in the United States, Kaspersky partnered with antivirus provider UltraAV to ensure continued protection for US-based customers that will no longer have access to Kaspersky’s protections.”

• “Kaspersky has additionally partnered with UltraAV to make the transition to their product as seamless as possible, which is why on 9/19, U.S. Kaspersky antivirus customers received a software update facilitating the transition to UltraAV.”

• “This update ensured that users would not experience a gap in protection upon Kaspersky’s exit from the market.”

• This also led to a page dedicated to the transition on UltraAV’s website, which provided more information about the company and what users can do to smoothen their transition.

Do you think the US government is correct in banning Russian software companies? Do you think Kaspersky should have provided their users with the option to switch or get refunds?

Let us know in the comments below!