14 DAY TRIAL // Kaspersky has decided to replace its super-popular free antivirus with a lightweight version of Kaspersky Security Cloud that offers extra protections not only on Windows, but also on mobile.
Users trying to download Kaspersky Free Antivirus are being redirected to Kaspersky Security Cloud – Free, the security vendor explained in a tweet this week (in German).
However, news of the Kaspersky Security Cloud Free served instead of Kaspersky Free Antivirus isn’t new. The Russian company explains in an October blog post that its Cloud product is a much more advanced security product that gets “much closer to our full-fledged flagship Kaspersky Security Cloud than to a basic security solution.”
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free does come with extra features versus the free antivirus. Despite being available with a freeware license as well, the new application, which is also offered on Android and iOS, includes a more advanced protection engine with extra capabilities like checking for compromised account data. It also includes a password manager, as well as a VPN solution with limited traffic.
More advanced functionality, however, is only available with a paid license.
Kaspersky Free Antivirus not going anywhere for now
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free isn’t a new product, however. It was launched in August 2018, but until October this year, it’s been offered side by side with Kaspersky Free Antivirus.
While downloading the free antivirus is no longer possible, the original app will continue to work on devices where it’s already installed. Of course, Kaspersky recommends users to switch to the Cloud product.
“Kaspersky Free antivirus will work just fine. You won’t need to change your security solution and start using Kaspersky Security Cloud Free — although we’d strongly recommend it. The license will be renewed automatically. You can continue as if nothing has changed,” Kaspersky explains.
“Our users are extremely important to us, and that’s why we won’t just shut down Kaspersky Free antivirus and force you to move to the newer solution.”
Kaspersky Free Antivirus will continue to receive virus definitions just like before on devices where it’s installed.
Via BornCity (German)