One Million Kaspersky Customers in the US Will Be Switched to This Little-Known Alternative
US customers of Kaspersky’s banned security software are being handed a lifeline in the form of an alternative product. In an email to customers, Kaspersky revealed that it will automatically switch them to Pango Group’s UltraAV software as a continuation of their current subscriptions.
This news comes after a Biden administration bans most Kaspersky security productsbans the Russia-based company from selling any of its core products in the United States.
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As of July 20, Kaspersky has been banned from selling its software in the United States. Existing customers can still use the products, but updates will stop on September 29, meaning the switch to UltraAV comes at a timely time.
“In light of recent US restrictions that forced Kaspersky to limit the protection functionality of its products, the company has come up with a solution to provide users of its consumer products with continuous cybersecurity protection,” Kaspersky said in a statement to ZDNET.
“Thanks to the agreement reached between Kaspersky and trusted partner UltraAV, US-based consumer product users will continue to receive reliable antivirus protection under their current subscription.”
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Kaspersky has long been in the crosshairs of the US government, which alleges that the company’s ties to Russia pose a security risk to the US. The current ban follows an investigation by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry (BIS), which found that Kaspersky and its products pose “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and the security and safety of the United States people.”
In one Documents posted onlineBIS has listed 81 Kaspersky products that are blocked through the US ban. The only items not on the list are Kaspersky Threat Intelligence products and services, Kaspersky Security Training products and services, and Kaspersky consulting and advisory services.
In response to the ban, Kaspersky has insisted that it does not engage in activities that threaten US national security. Instead, the company says it provides protection against a wide range of threats targeting US interests and allies. However, with the ban in place, Kaspersky has no choice but to give up the fight without leaving its customers in the lurch.
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“User security is always our top priority, and the current situation is no exception,” Kaspersky said in a statement. “While Americans have no other choice when it comes to protecting themselves from online threats, we are committed to ensuring they continue to be served by a world-class provider.”
Pango is a little-known name in the security world, even though it has been around for about 20 years. On Tuesday, Pango Group officially spun off from parent company AuraAs part of the split, Aura will provide online security for individuals and families, while Pango will provide cybersecurity for consumers and businesses. Pango’s product line includes a number of VPN programs, such as AnchorFree, Hotspot Shield, UltraVPN, Betternet, VPN360, and OVPN.
As for UltraAV, Kaspersky says the version offered to its customers will include features like a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. Additionally, the program offers a number of options not found in Kaspersky’s software, according to ISMG. Includes real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, fraud alerts, home ownership monitoring, and $1 million in identity theft insurance.
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Under the deal between the two companies, about 1 million Kaspersky users will be transferred to Pango, said Neill Feather, president and CEO at Pango. told Axios.
How will the migration process work?
Around mid-September, Windows users will be automatically migrated from Kaspersky to UltraAV without any action required, according to a UltraAV FAQ Page. Once the conversion is complete, UltraAV protection will be activated on your computer with full premium features.
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Mac and Android users will receive an email notification when UltraAV is available. A link in the email will help you get started with setup. Otherwise, you can open your existing Kaspersky software on your Mac or Android device and follow the instructions from there.
While UltraAV will be free for Kaspersky customers, those who want to continue using the product when their subscription ends will have to pay for another year. An UltraAV subscription for the first year will cost $47.88. After that, however, the annual price increases to $149.99.
