Security Software Insights: Kaspersky’s Users Encounter UltraAV Concerns

Security Software Alert: Kaspersky Customers Warned About UltraAV Replacement

Months after the US government banned Kaspersky Lab products, some users report that their antivirus software was replaced without notice by UltraAV, a relatively unknown program. Users took to online forums, including Kaspersky's support platform, to express concerns that UltraAV was installed on their computers without prior consent or notification.

Earlier this year, the Biden administration prohibited the sale of Kaspersky products in the US, citing national security risks tied to the Russian company. In response, Kaspersky notified its US employees that it would begin winding down its operations in the US starting July 20. The company partnered with UltraAV to ensure continued service for its US customers, according to UltraAV's website.

The Absence of Testing Sparks Concerns

UltraAV does not seem to have undergone testing by the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international body responsible for industry oversight, according to The Register. A third-party test is scheduled for later this year. Security software vendors are not obligated to have their products independently tested, but in a trust-driven industry, such assessments may be considered essential.

That UltraAV replaces Kaspersky, which was banned for national security concerns, makes a third-party test even more critical. Keith Prabhu, founder and CEO of Confidis, stated, "The recent Crowdstrike / Windows BSOD incident shows what can happen if an antivirus program misbehaves. Any unknown product, let alone a critical security tool like an antivirus, must prove itself in the market before it is installed." Prabhu added, "To top it off, this product was installed without user consent! Users should weigh the risks of using this software and switch to an alternate solution after making a comparison with other similar products."

Options for Enterprises

Independent testing or third-party assurance is crucial in building user trust. For enterprises that previously relied on Kaspersky, the transition to UltraAV represents a challenging decision. Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst at Greyhound Research, noted, "For enterprises, permissions that allow for such sweeping changes are rarely given, and ideally, any version change or upgrade is tightly governed." He emphasized that this is especially true for large enterprise customers. The trust is likely to erode, with many users struggling to manage software that reinstalls itself. Gogia warned that some users might face losing critical data while trying to uninstall the software.

Users now have two options: either remain with a less capable and lower trust software for security or switch vendors. Neil Shah, partner & co-founder at Counterpoint Research, remarked, "The churn rate is going to be higher, especially for enterprises and prosumers. Until UltraAV ramps up its capabilities or certifications, it would be too late."