In a significant move following recent regulatory changes, Kaspersky Lab is transferring its U.S. antivirus customers to Pango Group. This shift comes in response to a ban imposed by the U.S. Commerce Department, which halted new sales of Kaspersky’s antivirus software in the United States starting July 20, 2024. The transfer ensures that the approximately 1 million current U.S. customers will continue to receive updates through Pango’s antivirus brand, Ultra AV. Without this transition, users would have faced a halt in software updates after September 29, 2024.
Pango Group, known for its diverse portfolio of cybersecurity products including VPNs, antivirus software, and identity theft protection tools, will now manage the existing Kaspersky customer base. Neill Feather, president and COO of Pango, emphasized that the transition process will be smooth for customers, requiring no immediate action from them. Pango’s customer support team is prepared to assist with any issues that may arise during the transition.
The Commerce Department’s decision to ban Kaspersky’s antivirus products stems from longstanding concerns about potential ties between the Russian company and government espionage. The U.S. government had feared that Kaspersky could be coerced into allowing Russian state actors to access American users’ devices. As a result of the ban, Kaspersky has been winding down its operations in the U.S., which included laying off its U.S.-based employees.
In related news, Pango has recently undergone a structural change, becoming a standalone company after being spun off from Aura, a firm specializing in online safety tools. This separation marks a new chapter for Pango as it expands its operations and integrates Kaspersky’s U.S. customer base into its cybersecurity offerings. The move reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to regulatory challenges while continuing to provide robust security solutions to users.
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