US clients of Kaspersky’s banned safety software program are being thrown a lifeline within the type of an alternate product. In emails despatched to its clients, Kaspersky revealed that it’s going to routinely migrate them to Pango Group’s UltraAV software program as a continuation of their present subscriptions.
The information comes within the wake of a ban by the Biden administration on virtually all Kaspersky security products, prohibiting the Russia-based firm from promoting any of its core merchandise within the US.
Additionally: Stop paying for antivirus software. Here’s why you don’t need it
Since July 20, Kaspersky has been barred from promoting its software program within the US. Current clients have nonetheless been ready to make use of the merchandise, however updates are as a consequence of cease on September 29, which implies the transfer to UltraAV comes simply within the nick of time.
“Going through the current US restrictions forcing Kaspersky to restrict the safety performance of its merchandise, the corporate has organized an answer to offer its client product customers with continued cybersecurity safety,” Kaspersky mentioned in an announcement despatched to ZDNET.
“Because of the settlement reached between Kaspersky and its trusted companion UltraAV, customers of client merchandise within the US will proceed to obtain dependable anti-virus safety below their current subscription.”
Additionally: Why the NSA advises you to turn off your phone once a week
Kaspersky had lengthy been within the crosshairs of the US authorities, which has alleged that the corporate’s ties to Russia pose a safety threat to the US. The present ban follows an investigation by the Division of Commerce’s Bureau of Business (BIS), which discovered that Kaspersky and its merchandise entail “unacceptable dangers to the US’ nationwide safety and the safety and security of its individuals.”
In a document posted online, the BIS listed 81 Kaspersky merchandise blocked by way of the US ban. The one gadgets not on the record are Kaspersky Risk Intelligence services and products, Kaspersky Safety Coaching services and products, and Kaspersky consulting and advisory companies.
In response to the ban, Kaspersky has maintained that it doesn’t have interaction in actions that threaten US nationwide safety. As a substitute, the corporate mentioned that it supplied safety in opposition to quite a lot of threats that focused US pursuits and allies. Nevertheless, with the ban firmly in place, Kaspersky had little selection however to surrender the struggle with out leaving its clients in a lurch.
Additionally: 7 password rules to live by in 2024, according to security experts
“The safety of our customers has at all times been our high precedence, and the present state of affairs isn’t any exception,” Kaspersky mentioned in its assertion. “Whereas US individuals have been left with one much less selection in defending themselves in opposition to on-line threats, we’re dedicated to making sure that they proceed to be served by a world-class supplier.”
Pango is a lesser-known title within the safety world, although it has been round for about 20 years. On Tuesday, Pango Group was formally split off from its parent company Aura. As a part of the separation, Aura will present on-line safety for people and households, whereas Pango will supply cybersecurity for shoppers and enterprises. Pango’s product lineup consists of a number of VPN applications, akin to AnchorFree, Hotspot Defend, UltraVPN, Betternet, VPN360, and OVPN.
As for UltraAV, Kaspersky mentioned that the model being given to its clients will embody such options as a VPN, a password supervisor, and id theft safety. In any other case, this system provides a number of choices not present in Kaspersky’s software program, according to ISMG. These embody real-time authentication alerts, high-risk transaction monitoring, fraud alerts, dwelling title monitoring, and $1 million id theft insurance coverage.
Additionally: The best VPN services of 2024
As a part of the deal between the 2 firms, round 1 million Kaspersky customers might be transitioned to Pango, Neill Feather, president and chief working officer at Pango, told Axios.
How will the migration play out?
Round mid-September, Home windows customers will routinely be migrated from Kaspersky to UltraAV with none motion wanted, in accordance with an UltraAV FAQ page. After the transition is finalized, UltraAV safety might be energetic in your laptop with all of the premium options in tow.
Additionally: Microsoft has a big Windows 10 problem, and only one year to solve it
Mac and Android customers will obtain an electronic mail notification when UltraAV is out there. A hyperlink within the electronic mail will assist you kick off the setup. In any other case, you’ll open your present Kaspersky software program in your Mac or Android machine and observe the directions from there.
Although UltraAV might be free to Kaspersky clients, those that wish to proceed utilizing the product when their subscription ends should pay for one more 12 months. Subscribing to UltraAV for the primary 12 months will price $47.88. After that, although, the annual price ticket jumps to $149.99.