Why Did Kaspersky Turn Itself Into UltraAV?

Imagine waking up and finding that your trusted antivirus software, which you have used for years, has been switched to another without your permission.

Suspicion loomed over thousands of users as Kaspersky magically deleted itself and got replaced with a new antivirus called UltraAV. So, why did Kaspersky turn itself into UltraAV?

What was going on backstage? Why do people doubt Kaspersky’s approach to this cybersecurity transfer? Let’s dive in.

USA Ban Kaspersky

After the government banned Kaspersky, it ceased to offer its antivirus software to users in the US.

The Biden administration proposed the ban in June because of possible national security threats.

Kaspersky, included in the Department of Commerce’s “Entity List” in June, closed its offices in the US and dismissed its workers.

Kaspersky turn itself into UltraAV after the U.S. government banned the sale of Kaspersky products starting in July 2023.

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Kaspersky Turn Itself Into UltraAV

UltraAV is a real antivirus program that seemingly protects your computer from viruses as any other antivirus program would.

Kaspersky teamed up with UltraAV, a similar antivirus company, to guarantee the protection’s permanence. In September, it officially transitioned its US customers to UltraAV.

Kaspersky Turn Itself Into UltraAV. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

The government allowed Kaspersky to continue making updates until September 29 but then reached an agreement with American firm Pango, owners of UltraAV.

This is why many Kaspersky users suddenly saw UltraAV replace their antivirus software.

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Customer feedback to UltraAV

While most users praised Kaspersky for turning itself into UltraAV.

Some users reported that they could not disable the automatic switch and complained about it on social media and Reddit.

Avi Fleischer, a reseller and a former Kaspersky customer, said, ‘Why couldn’t the company ask permission to install the new software?’

Avi first deleted UltraAV and UltraVPN because he was angry about the absence of his control over the system.

Even cybersecurity specialist Rob Joyce, former NSA cybersecurity director, opined on the situation, pointing out that Kaspersky had ‘total control’ of users’ machines during the switch.

While Kaspersky and UltraAV insisted they were protecting their customers 24/7, many people are uncomfortable with how abruptly this was done.