Last week, cybersecurity company Kaspersky made a surprising move by deleting its anti-malware software from computers in the United States. Instead, the software was replaced with antivirus software from UltraAV.
If you were using Kaspersky antivirus software, you might be aware of the company’s addition to the U.S. government’s Entity List, leading to a ban on sales and updates in the country. Consequently, Kaspersky decided to cease operations in the U.S. and lay off its American employees.
While these developments were not hidden, the sudden deletion of Kaspersky software without clear explanation caught many by surprise. Emails were sent out in September informing customers of the partnership with UltraAV for continued protection, but the automatic installation of the new software was not explicitly mentioned.
Some users who missed the email were shocked to find UltraAV installed on their computers instead of Kaspersky. Posts on Reddit and other forums express confusion and distrust towards the new software, especially considering its connection to various VPN brands like UltraVPN, Hotspot Shield, and Betternet.
Kaspersky later issued an official statement explaining the action was taken to ensure uninterrupted protection for customers after their exit from the market. They chose UltraAV due to similar features and products. However, many users are still skeptical and opting to uninstall UltraAV in favor of more familiar antivirus applications.
For those affected, Kaspersky’s explanation may not be sufficient to regain trust in UltraAV and prevent them from seeking alternative antivirus solutions.
