Kaspersky Exits U.S. Market: What Users Need To Know

Kaspersky, the well-known cybersecurity firm, announced in mid-July that it would be winding down its operations in the United States following a ban on the sale of its software by the U.S. Commerce Department. This decision marks the end of Kaspersky’s presence in the U.S. market, leaving many users wondering what steps to take next.

Kaspersky users in the U.S. have been given a deadline of September 29, 2024, to transition to a new cybersecurity provider. After this date, Kaspersky’s software updates and network support will cease, meaning continued use of the software will leave users vulnerable to emerging security threats. To help customers during this transition, Kaspersky initially offered six months of free access to alternative security solutions.

Who Is Affected?

This change affects all U.S.-based Kaspersky users, including those using Kaspersky's products on personal devices, small business setups, and even enterprise networks. The ban impacts both current and potential users, as Kaspersky software will no longer be available for purchase or download in the United States after the deadline.

• Home Users: Individuals who rely on Kaspersky for antivirus, malware protection, and internet security will need to find a new solution before September 29 to avoid vulnerabilities in their personal devices.

• Businesses: Small businesses and enterprises using Kaspersky to protect their networks from cyber threats must migrate to other security solutions to maintain uninterrupted protection.

• IT Professionals: System administrators and IT teams who manage Kaspersky security on behalf of businesses need to develop a migration plan and ensure that all devices are transitioned to new security software before the cutoff date.

Transition to UltraAV

To ease the transition, Kaspersky customers in the U.S. will be transferred to UltraAV, a U.S.-based antivirus brand owned by Pango Group. Pango, which offers a range of cybersecurity products, recently acquired roughly 1 million Kaspersky users as part of this migration process.

UltraAV offers many of the same features Kaspersky users are familiar with, including:

• Malware protection with zero-day threat detection

• Ransomware protection

• Application control

• Password manager

• Anti-phishing features

• VPN service (UltraVPN)

• USB drive protection

• Identity theft protection with real-time authentication alerts and high-risk transaction monitoring

• $1 million identity theft insurance

While UltraAV provides extensive security features, it lacks some functionalities that were part of Kaspersky's product suite, such as webcam protection and online payment protection. Users who require these additional layers of security may want to consider whether UltraAV meets all their needs or if a different solution is a better fit.

What to Do Next

With the Kaspersky transition date fast approaching, here’s what users need to do to ensure their devices remain protected:

1. No Immediate Action for Windows Users

For Windows users, the transition is automatic. You will receive access to UltraAV and UltraVPN by mid-September without needing to take any further steps. Your Kaspersky subscription will seamlessly convert to an UltraAV subscription.

2. Look Out for Emails if You Use Mac or Android

If you're using Mac or Android devices, you’ll receive an email notification when UltraAV is ready to be set up on your device. Be sure to follow the instructions to install and activate your new protection.

3. Check Billing Details

Billing for Kaspersky stopped in June 2024. UltraAV will begin billing in October 2024, and you’ll retain the same price as your Kaspersky subscription. For the first year, your subscription will be $47.88 billed annually. After that, it will renew at the full price of $149.99 per year.

4. Evaluate Your Security Needs

While UltraAV offers comprehensive protection, it may lack some features you’ve relied on, such as Kaspersky’s webcam protection or online payment protection. If these features are critical to your security needs, it may be worth exploring other antivirus or internet security providers that offer these capabilities.

Conclusion

Kaspersky’s exit from the U.S. market leaves a significant gap for many users, but with a clear transition to UltraAV in place, customers can maintain their cybersecurity protection without disruption. It’s essential to act before September 29, 2024, to ensure your devices remain secure, especially as emerging cyber threats continue to evolve. By transitioning to UltraAV or exploring other security providers, you can protect your personal information, financial data, and online safety for the future.