Kaspersky Loses Another Customer? Facts

Yes, Kaspersky has lost another customer — the Dutch government has announced it will phase out all Kaspersky antivirus software from government systems by mid-2025, citing national security concerns. This follows similar moves by the U.S., Germany, and the U.K., which have banned or restricted Kaspersky products in government and critical infrastructure over fears of Russian government influence.

Background: Why Governments Are Dropping Kaspersky

The concerns about Kaspersky stem from its Russian origins and the company’s legal obligations under Russian law. In 2019, Russia passed a law requiring technology companies to cooperate with the FSB (the country’s security service) if asked. This has led Western governments to worry that Kaspersky could be compelled to provide backdoor access or share data on foreign users. Kaspersky has repeatedly denied any improper ties and has offered to open its source code for review, but the trust gap remains.

Key events in the ban timeline:

• 2017: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky from federal civilian agencies.
• 2022: Germany’s BSI (federal cybersecurity office) advised consumers to replace Kaspersky software, citing the risk of Russian cyberattacks.
• 2024: The U.S. Commerce Department banned Kaspersky from selling to U.S. customers entirely, citing national security.
• 2025: The Netherlands announced it will remove Kaspersky from all government systems by mid-2025.

How Kaspersky Works and Why It Was Popular

Kaspersky is a Russian cybersecurity company founded in 1997. Its antivirus products are known for strong malware detection and frequent updates, often scoring near the top in independent lab tests like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. The software works by scanning files and processes for known malware signatures, using heuristic analysis to catch new threats, and maintaining a cloud-based threat database.

For years, Kaspersky was a top recommendation for consumers and businesses alike because of its high detection rates and relatively low system impact. It also offers a free version, which made it popular in emerging markets. However, the geopolitical landscape has changed how governments view the product, regardless of its technical merits.

How to Choose a Replacement Antivirus

If you are a government agency or a consumer looking to switch from Kaspersky, here are steps to choose a replacement:

1. Assess your needs: Do you need just basic malware protection, or do you want a full security suite with VPN, password manager, and parental controls?
2. Check independent test results: Look at recent reports from AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs to see how products perform against real-world threats.
3. Consider your OS: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS all have different security needs. Some products are better on one platform than another.
4. Think about privacy: If you are concerned about data collection, look for products with clear privacy policies and no third-party advertising.
5. Test before you buy: Most antivirus vendors offer free trials. Use them to see if the software slows down your system or is easy to use.

Popular alternatives include Bitdefender, Norton, ESET, and Microsoft Defender (which is built into Windows). For government use, many agencies are moving to solutions like CrowdStrike or SentinelOne, which focus on endpoint detection and response (EDR) rather than traditional signature-based scanning.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Kaspersky is “spyware� that actively spies on users. There is no public evidence that Kaspersky has ever been used to spy on Western users. The concern is more about potential future coercion. Another misconception is that all Russian software is unsafe — but the bans target specific companies, not all Russian tech.

Another issue is that switching antivirus can be technically tricky. You need to fully uninstall Kaspersky before installing a new product, otherwise they can conflict. Kaspersky provides a dedicated removal tool, and most other vendors also offer cleanup utilities. Also, some users find that after uninstalling Kaspersky, their system feels slower because the new antivirus is not yet optimized.

Finally, there is a misconception that free antivirus is enough. While free versions like Microsoft Defender are decent, they lack advanced features like ransomware protection, phishing protection for all browsers, and VPN. For high-risk users, a paid product is often worth the cost.

Comparing Kaspersky to Its Rivals

In terms of pure malware detection, Kaspersky consistently ranks among the best. However, when you factor in privacy and geopolitical risk, the picture changes. Here is a quick comparison:

• Kaspersky: Excellent detection, low system impact, but banned in several countries.
• Bitdefender: Also excellent detection, strong privacy features, and based in Romania (EU).
• Norton: Good detection, but historically has had more system impact and upsell attempts.
• ESET: Lightweight and highly customizable, but may not be as beginner-friendly.
• Microsoft Defender: Free, built into Windows, good baseline protection, but lacks advanced features.

For businesses, EDR solutions like CrowdStrike Falcon or SentinelOne are increasingly preferred because they offer threat hunting and response capabilities beyond what traditional antivirus provides.

Costs and Licensing Considerations

Kaspersky’s pricing was always competitive, often undercutting Western rivals. If you are switching, you should expect to pay similar or slightly more for a comparable product. For example, a single-device license for Bitdefender or Norton typically costs between $30 and $60 per year, while multi-device family plans can go up to $100 or more. Business solutions are priced per endpoint, often $50-$150 per device per year, depending on the features.

When switching, check if your new antivirus offers a migration tool that can import settings from Kaspersky. Some vendors do, which can save time. Also, if you have a multi-year Kaspersky subscription, you may be able to get a prorated refund from Kaspersky, but policies vary.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Beyond just choosing a new antivirus, it’s important to practice good security hygiene. No antivirus is a silver bullet. Here are some tips:

• Keep your operating system and software updated.
• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.
• Be cautious of phishing emails and links.
• Back up your data regularly.

Also, remember that antivirus software itself can be a privacy risk. Some free antivirus products collect user data for advertising. Read the privacy policy before installing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kaspersky still safe to use in 2025?

For personal use, Kaspersky remains technically safe — it has not been proven to spy on users. However, if you are in a country that has banned it, you may not be able to receive updates or purchase licenses. Also, if you work in government or critical infrastructure, using it may violate policy.

Why did the Netherlands ban Kaspersky?

The Dutch government cited the risk that Kaspersky could be compelled by Russian intelligence to cooperate, given Russian law. They decided to remove it from all government systems to protect national security.

Can I get a refund for my Kaspersky subscription?

Kaspersky offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on most products. If you are outside that window, you may still be able to get a prorated refund if you contact support, but it is not guaranteed.

What is the best alternative to Kaspersky?

That depends on your needs. For most consumers, Bitdefender and Norton are top choices. For businesses, CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are popular. Microsoft Defender is a good free option for Windows users.

Will removing Kaspersky leave my computer vulnerable?

Only if you don’t replace it with another antivirus. As long as you install a reputable alternative before or immediately after uninstalling Kaspersky, you will remain protected. Just make sure you fully uninstall Kaspersky to avoid conflicts.

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