Concerns over the use of Kaspersky Antivirus grew for several years, until our government enacted a full ban on their software in 2024. Here we are, just 4 days from the total shutdown of Kaspersky software on American computers, and there’s one last surprise for Kaspersky users. For anyone still using their antivirus, they may notice a new program on their computers…
Kaspersky has arranged to replace its software with UltraAV. And it is doing so silently and automatically on PCs everywhere. This is causing some concern, as you may imagine. No one wants to come in to their PC and meet with a wholly unfamiliar program, popping up on the desktop and in the taskbar!
Kaspersky claims they’ve notified their users in advance of this change. But I’m not comforted or convinced that this is all on the level. If you are affected by this, I will say: I cannot vouch for this UltraAV software product. I’ve never before encountered it. You do not need it. If it were my computer, I would uninstall any and all Ultra AV product and simply rely on the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
As soon as you uninstall Ultra AV (or any other antivirus) from a PC, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is already there and turns on automatically. It won’t ask for any money. It stays up-to-date along with everyday Windows Updates. But if you really want another antivirus, I can also mention that most of the antiviruses on this list are legitimate and good at what they do.
Miscellany
If you are running Kaspersky software on an Apple computer, this automatic install should not happen. Kaspersky Antivirus may or may not uninstall on its own, and you will have the choice of downloading UltraAV or some other protection.
I do not intend to disparage the UltraAV product. I strive to promote products only when I am familiar with them and can expect that they will not cause problems for my clients. UltraAV is simply an unknown for me. If you care to learn more about this company, I can give you this cookie-crumb trail to follow: UltraAV is owned by Pango Group in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Pango is an Aura company. Aura’s CEO is Hari Ravichandran.
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