In a surprising move that has left many users bewildered, Kaspersky antivirus software has been automatically replaced with a new solution called UltraAV for customers in the United States. This transition follows a decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to ban Kaspersky from selling or updating certain products amid concerns over national security risks. The update occurred on September 19, ensuring users would not experience a lapse in protection as Kaspersky exited the market.
Kaspersky issued a statement claiming that the switch to UltraAV was designed to maintain the high standards of security and privacy that customers expect. The company highlighted that UltraAV offers comparable features, including robust antivirus protection, a premium VPN, password management, and identity theft protection. However, many users were taken aback by the lack of notification regarding this significant change, prompting complaints on social media platforms about the unexpected update.
Users have expressed their concerns about the sudden installation of UltraAV, with some claiming they found the new software installed on their systems overnight without any prior warning. Many voiced their skepticism regarding UltraAV’s credibility, questioning the security of a product that had not been widely reviewed or tested. Comments on forums reflected a sense of unease, with some users demanding the ability to remove UltraAV due to its unfamiliarity and perceived suspiciousness.
While Kaspersky assures customers that the transition aims to provide seamless protection under their existing subscriptions, the lack of transparency surrounding UltraAV has raised questions. Owned by Pango Group, UltraAV has a portfolio of consumer cybersecurity solutions, but its limited visibility in the antivirus market has left many users anxious about the reliability and effectiveness of this new software. With approximately 1 million Kaspersky users in the U.S. affected by this automatic transition, the implications for user trust and satisfaction remain to be seen.
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