Kaspersky launches free version of AV

[tucsonpc]

https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/26/kaspersky-free-antivirus-software-worldwide-launch/

I'm torn on this. I've always liked Kaspersky as it's been a solid product for a long time. But, with all the political hubbub, I'm wary of the company as a whole.

Realistically, I'm sure anything bad that Kaspersky does has been in competing software for just as long, but... I dunno.

Fortunately, I kicked the "go ahead and install a free AV product" habit some time ago, since it's not good for the business, but I don't think I would go the Kaspersky route in the current political climate. They've got an uphill battle to fight.

 

[mraikes]

I haven 't let politics deter me from recommending Kaspersky. Good A/V is good A/V, and if we've learned anything over the last few years it's that US based companies are no less susceptible to hidden nasties and government backdoor access.

If the Russians want to snoop around my computer while they keep all the other bad stuff out, more power to them.

 

[JoeTech]

We have sold Kaspersky for years here without any problems. Of course I don't think any of our customers even know it is a Russian made av. I was wondering with Russia being in the news so much lately here, what to say if a customer found out and had problems with it now.

 

[Porthos]

it has no stand alone installer and requires a Kaspersky account during the online install. Nah, I will pass.

 

[JoeTech]

If it requires an account first to install, I know that my customers here won't want to go through that hassle so I guess I don't have to worry about that after all.

 

[tucsonpc]

if we've learned anything over the last few years it's that US based companies are no less susceptible to hidden nasties and government backdoor access.

Yeah, that's how I feel. Since I use Kabuto/Emsisoft, it's not really an issue. I suppose the only real issue is if I was pushing Kaspersky as my AV and customers were reluctant to use it because of something they saw on the news.

 

[GTP]

last months PC&TechAuthority magazine/ESET here in Aus was giving away free ESET licenses to all and sundry. You could enter totally bogus details download the installer and get 12 months of ESET Premium for free.

 

[TechPJC]

https://www.ghacks.net/2017/07/26/kaspersky-free-antivirus-worldwide-roll-out-begins/

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/kaspersky-free-antivirus-windows

http://www.intowindows.com/download-kaspersky-antivirus-free-for-windows-10/