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Kaspersky has removed its antivirus software from computers across the country and replaced itself with UltraAV, a different antivirus product from a different company. The change is part of Kaspersky's withdrawal from the US following a federal sanction in June over security concerns with its Russian origins.
The switch began Thursday last week, according to posts on Reddit from impacted users. The switchover was announced earlier this month, but Kaspersky did not tell users exactly when the swap would take place or that UltraAV would be automatically installed.
Some users are frustrated because they don't want the new software, and they can't figure out how to delete it from their PCs.
"UltraAV automatically installed on my computer. I WAS NEVER ASKED NOR NOTIFIED THAT THIS INSTALLATION WOULD HAPPEN," one angry user wrote. "Also, I CANNOT UNINSTALL IT! I used Windows 11 Uninstall, everything was supposed to be removed. Well I restarted the computer and found the UltraAv had reinstalled itself. I DO NOT WANT THIS SOFTWARE!"
In response, a Kaspersky forum moderator wrote that because the company isn't affiliated with UltraAV, it doesn't have tips on removing the new software beyond following UltraAV's guidelines for uninstalling on Windows 11.
"We have no idea if that will remove the software permanently," the moderator admitted.
Another post from a former US-based Kaspersky user wrote: "Who gave you permission to put UltraAV on my computer?" A third called the situation "a MAJOR eff-up" and said: "Now I believe it when the government says they cannot be trusted."
A Kaspersky employee referred to as Danila T. replied: "As you may know, the US authorities have restricted the sales and distribution of Kaspersky products in the US, but we remain committed to providing you with the utmost cybersecurity. And as we’re forced to limit our cybersecurity products in functionality, we give you an opportunity to get a replacement security solution by our trusted partner—UltraAV."
The employee further stated that a Kaspersky software update installed on Sept. 19 enabled the sudden transition. US Kaspersky users' licenses are being transferred over to UltraAV as part of the switch, and Kaspersky promises no price increase will occur in the transition. It's still possible to log into your US-based Kaspersky account, but licenses will be shown as expired and point to a page about UltraAV.
UltraAV is owned by US cybersecurity firm Pango, which split into two companies earlier this month. Pango tells PCMag via email that the transition was intended to be automatic.
"This effort was intended to minimize the risk that [Kaspersky] users would be left unprotected for any period of time following their mandatory exit from the market," a Pango representative tells PCMag, adding: "UltraAV is a mature technology, developed and improved for more than 20 years. It incorporates the latest threat intelligence and leverages advanced techniques including AI and sophisticated heuristics to detect malware."
UltraAV has not yet been tested by the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, but The Register reports that UltraAV is planning to get this certification by the end of this year. There are lots of antivirus software options out there, though, and PCMag's review of UltraAV is here.
PCMag has reached out to Kaspersky for comment.
For more, check out Kaspersky Antivirus Replaced by UltraAV? Here’s Why, and What You Can Do.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include comment from Pango.