In a recent development, many Kaspersky antivirus users in the United States have been surprised by an automatic software update that replaced their familiar cybersecurity solution with a new product called UltraAV. This sudden change, reported by multiple users across social media platforms like Reddit, left many customers frustrated and bewildered, as some received no prior notification about the update.
What Happened?
Several Kaspersky users woke up to find their antivirus software completely removed and replaced with UltraAV and UltraVPN, which were installed automatically overnight. One Reddit user expressed their frustration:
“Woke up to Kaspersky completely gone from my system with Ultra AV and Ultra VPN freshly installed (not by me, just automatically while I slept),” they wrote. This was not an isolated incident, as other users also reported similar experiences across different social media platforms.
Adding to the confusion, some customers claimed they received no communication about this switch, which has sparked significant concern about transparency and control over their systems. Meanwhile, others did report receiving emails from Kaspersky, notifying them of the upcoming change to UltraAV.
The Transition to UltraAV
This unexpected update follows the U.S. government’s decision to ban all sales of Kaspersky software in the country. In June, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that sales of Kaspersky products would be prohibited starting July 20, allowing Kaspersky to provide only limited security updates to existing customers until September 29. This created an urgent need for a replacement solution for users still depending on the antivirus.
In September, reports surfaced that Kaspersky had reached an agreement with American cybersecurity firm Pango, which owns UltraAV. As part of this transition, Kaspersky antivirus users on Windows would automatically receive UltraAV with their existing subscription. A page on the UltraAV website mentions that “no action is required” from users, although the exact timing of when this page was published is unclear. The Internet Archive dates the earliest version of the page to September 6.
Kaspersky also confirmed the update in a forum post, stating that they partnered with UltraAV to make the transition smooth and ensure continuous protection for their users. According to Kaspersky’s representative Vadim M., the update took place on September 19, 2024.
Customer Reactions: Confusion and Frustration
For many customers, the forced update has sparked outrage. Avi Fleischer, a former Kaspersky reseller, expressed his frustration in an interview with TechCrunch, stating that Kaspersky “pushed an uninstall” of its software and automatically installed UltraAV and UltraVPN without his consent. Fleischer noted that users should have been given the choice to opt into the transition rather than having the decision made for them.
“This is something that should never happen without explicit permission,” Fleischer said. He immediately removed the UltraAV and UltraVPN software from his systems after discovering the forced installation.
Similarly, Rob Joyce, the former director of cybersecurity at the National Security Agency (NSA), shared his concern over the situation, tweeting: “Users were ‘migrated’ — software uninstalled and a totally different product was installed automagically.” He emphasized the risks involved with giving any software provider total control over a machine, as Kaspersky apparently had.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Users
The forced update to UltraAV is a direct result of the U.S. government’s crackdown on Kaspersky software, citing security concerns tied to the company’s Russian origins. However, the abrupt nature of the transition and lack of clear communication from Kaspersky has caused significant backlash.
For users, this event highlights the importance of transparency and control over their devices. Automatic updates, especially those involving complete software replacements, can feel like a violation of trust, leaving customers questioning whether they should have been given more choice in the matter.
Pango, the company behind UltraAV, insists that all Kaspersky customers were notified about the transition in early September. However, it’s clear that the communication didn’t reach everyone, leading to widespread confusion.
Conclusion
While the forced update to UltraAV might have ensured continuous protection for Kaspersky users in the wake of the U.S. ban, the lack of transparent communication and the automatic installation have left many customers frustrated. This situation serves as a reminder of the critical balance between cybersecurity and user autonomy—especially when major changes are made without clear consent.
For Kaspersky users in the U.S., staying informed about future changes and exploring alternative antivirus solutions might be necessary to ensure they have full control over their cybersecurity choices.
