Kaspersky gives US customers six months of free updates as a parting gift

July 17, 2024 TH Author

Embattled Russian infosec shop Kaspersky is giving US customers six months of security updates for free as a parting gift as Uncle Sam kicks the antivirus maker out of the American market.

In a farewell note to US users, the soon-to-be-banned biz thanked its customers for “choosing and trusting Kaspersky throughout the years.”

“We’ve always strived and remain committed to provide the best cybersecurity there is — independent, transparent and expertly managed,” the letter continues. “Unfortunately, for now, you have one less choice in defending yourself against online threats.”

Kaspersky is referring to a US Commerce Department rule, announced last month, that will prohibit the business from selling software in the US to new customers beginning July 20, and also prevent it from distributing software updates and malware signatures to existing Stateside users after September 29.

According to the Feds, the Russian business poses a national security threat to the US, and its top executives are accused of cooperating “with Russian military and intelligence authorities in support of the Russian Government’s cyber intelligence objectives.”

Kaspersky has disputed these allegations but on Monday announced that it will close its American operations and cut US-based jobs to comply with the July deadline.

“With Kaspersky leaving the US, we’d like to pay you back with the least we can: gifting you a selection of our security solutions for free for six months,” the goodbye letter, which shows a picture of a green bear holding a heart balloon and carries a “stay safe” sign while a tear falls from its eye.

Kaspersky did not respond to The Register‘s questions about which products and services would be offered to American customers for free. It’s also unclear how it will ensure the security of these products since it will be prohibited from providing software updates for them as of late September.

We will update this story if and when we receive a response.

Meanwhile, in another free farewell gift, Kaspersky offered free tips:

Remember to always back up your data.
Be wary of links and double-check their source before clicking.
Protect your identity online, change passwords regularly and keep them long and complex.

All words to live by, in your humble vulture’s opinion. ®

Updated to add

Here’s the list of stuff that’ll be offered for free: Kaspersky Standard; Kaspersky Plus; Kaspersky Password Manager; Kaspersky Safe Kids; and Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection.