What You Need To Know About Kaspersky Users in the U.S. Transitioning to UltraAV

In a notable shift for U.S. consumers, approximately one million Kaspersky customers are being transferred to Pango’s UltraAV antivirus service following the ban on Kaspersky software in the United States. The ban, enforced by the U.S. Commerce Department, has resulted in Kaspersky winding down its American operations, with customers needing to migrate to alternative cybersecurity solutions by September 29, 2024. This transition marks the end of an era for Kaspersky in the U.S. and the rise of UltraAV as the new antivirus provider for those affected.

Why is Kaspersky Banned in the U.S.?

Kaspersky, a well-known Russian cybersecurity company, has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. regulators due to concerns over national security. The U.S. government has banned the sale and distribution of Kaspersky products in the country, citing potential risks associated with using foreign-owned software, particularly in sectors that handle sensitive data. In response to this ban, Kaspersky announced in July 2024 that it would cease operations in the United States, effectively leaving its customers in need of a new solution.

What Happens to Kaspersky Users?

Customers who currently use Kaspersky products in the U.S. are being automatically transitioned to UltraAV, an antivirus service provided by Pango Group, a U.S.-based company. Pango, a firm known for offering scalable security solutions, will now serve these customers through its UltraAV antivirus product, which is designed to protect against various cyber threats.

The transition involves no action required for Windows users, who will be granted access to UltraAV and UltraVPN services by mid-September. Mac and Android users will receive email notifications detailing when and how they can set up UltraAV on their devices.

UltraAV vs. Kaspersky: What’s Different?

UltraAV, although lesser-known compared to Kaspersky, offers a comprehensive suite of security features to ensure users remain protected. The features include:

• Malware protection with zero-day threat detection
• Ransomware protection
• Password manager
• Application control
• Anti-phishing protection
• VPN for secure browsing
• Identity theft protection

UltraAV also goes a step further by providing additional features such as real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, and a $1 million identity theft insurance policy for customers.

However, users should be aware of the differences between the two services. While UltraAV boasts a robust set of security features, it lacks certain protections offered by Kaspersky, such as webcam protection and online payment protection—features that many Kaspersky users might find essential.

Billing and Pricing

The transition to UltraAV will not impact the price paid by existing Kaspersky customers. Kaspersky halted all billing for its products in June 2024, and UltraAV will begin charging customers again in October 2024, maintaining the same pricing as before. Customers will continue paying the annual price they were accustomed to under Kaspersky, which amounts to $47.88 for the first year. However, this rate will renew at the full price of $149.99 annually after the first year.

What Does This Mean for U.S. Cybersecurity?

The transfer of Kaspersky’s U.S. customer base to UltraAV is a direct response to geopolitical concerns and regulatory actions. Pango’s acquisition of one million new users through this deal is expected to boost its presence in the antivirus market. Although financial details of the agreement between Pango and Kaspersky remain undisclosed, it represents a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape in the U.S.

What Should Kaspersky Users Do?

If you are a Kaspersky user in the U.S., there is no need to panic or take immediate action. Windows users will see their software automatically transition to UltraAV, while Mac and Android users will be notified when their devices are ready for UltraAV setup. The key difference for users will be in the software’s features, but Pango’s UltraAV is committed to offering competitive protection against modern cyber threats.

As always, it’s important to stay vigilant. Regularly monitor your system for any unusual activity, and familiarize yourself with the new features and limitations of UltraAV to ensure your security needs are fully met.

Final Thoughts

The transition from Kaspersky to UltraAV is part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to minimize potential cybersecurity risks associated with foreign-owned software. UltraAV, despite being less known than Kaspersky, offers a wide range of protections, and the seamless transition aims to minimize disruption for users.

Make sure you understand the new software, update your systems as required, and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity measures to keep your data safe.