Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

douglas9

(4,474 posts)
Tue Sep 24, 2024, 05:21 AM Sep 24

Some Kaspersky customers receive surprise forced-update to new antivirus software

Customers of Kaspersky antivirus in the United States found out in the last few days that their cybersecurity software was automatically replaced with a new one called UltraAV, according to several customers who posted on social media. And some of the customers said they had no idea this was going to happen.

“Woke up to Kasperky [sic] completely gone from my system with Ultra AV and Ultra VPN freshly installed (not by me, just automatically while I slept),” a user on Reddit wrote. Others in the same Reddit thread, as well as in other threads, reported having the same experience.

A reseller, who until recently sold Kaspersky products prior to the recent sales ban, told TechCrunch that he was left “annoyed” by the move to automatically remove Kaspersky software and replace it with an entirely different antivirus. A former senior U.S. government cybersecurity official said that this was an example of the “huge risk” posed by the access granted by Kaspersky software.

It’s worth noting that, on the other hand, other customers did report receiving an email from Kaspersky about the transition to UltraAV.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/some-kaspersky-customers-receive-surprise-forced-update-to-new-antivirus-software/

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Some Kaspersky customers receive surprise forced-update to new antivirus software (Original Post) douglas9 Sep 24 OP
Years ago, Kaspersky was probably the BEST antiviral package available to consumers, but of course I ditched it hlthe2b Sep 24 #1
Recently switched to Norton and uninstalled Kaspersky EverHopeful Sep 24 #2
Here's a resource for AV Software Reviews Best_man23 Sep 24 #3
Thank you EverHopeful Sep 24 #4

hlthe2b

(106,326 posts)
1. Years ago, Kaspersky was probably the BEST antiviral package available to consumers, but of course I ditched it
Tue Sep 24, 2024, 05:28 AM
Sep 24

many years ago with the first qualms expressed by US government. This would have totally freaked me out, had I still used the package.

Norton drives me insane with its bloated package and constant attempts to get me to buy more and more and more extra additions. But, naive' though it may be, I don't see them selling my info to international crime networks or the Russians.

EverHopeful

(365 posts)
2. Recently switched to Norton and uninstalled Kaspersky
Tue Sep 24, 2024, 05:59 AM
Sep 24

It took me about an hour and a half to dislike it and about a day and a half to hate it.

Most of my employers over the years used Norton but I never noticed how difficult it was to adjust settings and the horrific toll it takes on battery life.

Got a 1 year introductory price so I'll spend the year searching for a replacement. Any suggestions welcome.

Best_man23

(5,122 posts)
3. Here's a resource for AV Software Reviews
Tue Sep 24, 2024, 07:06 AM
Sep 24

AVTest is an independent research group based in Germany who reviews Anti Virus software for Windows, MacOS, Android, Business end points and IoT. Good resource whose reviews are frequently updated.

https://www.av-test.org/en/

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»Some Kaspersky customers ...