Across the United States, many customers still rely on Kaspersky Lab antivirus products despite a sanctions regime that blocks sales and access to cloud security services. Reports from the Habr portal describe how some users try to bypass the blocks to receive updates and how others configure the software to pull updates from outside the United States. This dynamic illustrates how people adapt when formal channels are restricted.
Some American buyers had licenses before the restrictions and hesitated to switch to products from other manufacturers. One user told reporters that updates could still arrive through tools designed to bypass the blocks. Others described adjusting the app to contact servers outside the United States to keep protection current.
Users claim Kaspersky antivirus remains among the leading choices in the field, and they say there is no evidence of the software being used for espionage. The loyalty built by years of use and familiarity with the product contributes to their stance that the ban feels overly harsh and unnecessary for many individuals and organizations.
In mid-2024, Kaspersky Lab disclosed its withdrawal from the U.S. market and announced it would provide six months of free security software to U.S. users as a closing gesture.
Later in the year, Google reported that it was removing the company’s applications from the Google Play store. While the sale of the company’s products remains prohibited in the United States under sanctions, the restrictions do not stop distribution or sales outside the country.
Earlier reports indicated that the official Android app store was found to contain malware. This background underscores ongoing debates about software provenance, security, and consumer choice in North America.