What Is Kaspersky Anti-Virus? 2026 Review: Is It Still Safe?

Independent antivirus testing labs rank and grade dozens of antivirus products, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus has historically been among the top performers.

Important notice for US readers: As of 2024, Kaspersky can no longer be sold or updated in the United States. The US Commerce Department’s final determination prohibited Kaspersky from entering new agreements with US customers from July 20, 2024, and from providing updates or other services in the US from September 29, 2024.

With Kaspersky Security Cloud Free, the core antivirus offers high-quality defense without the extra features that come only with premium subscriptions. The paid version also includes tech support by phone and live chat.

Video: Kaspersky Anti-Virus Product Overview 

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PROS AND CONS OF KASPERSKY ANTIVIRUS

PROS:

• Strong scores from independent testing labs
• Solid ransomware defense
• Good results in hands-on tests
• Phone and live chat support available
• Additional privacy and performance checks

CONS:

• Bonus scans overlap significantly with each other.
• The vulnerability scan provides limited information.

KASPERSKY ANTI-VIRUS: WHAT IS IT?

Kaspersky’s main window features a slightly textured white background with generous whitespace. It includes a status panel, a More Tools button, and button panels for Scan, Database Update, Reports, and On-Screen Keyboard.

The On-Screen Keyboard is designed to protect your entry of sensitive data against keyloggers, including hardware keyloggers. It includes a number pad and arrow keys by default, but you can remove them if you don’t need them.

The free antivirus from Kaspersky is not based on the paid version. The free solution is actually a pared-down version of Kaspersky Security Cloud, with a shield emblem indicating that premium features require an upgrade.

Some improvements in recent editions are hidden inside. The stalkerware defense feature can detect “user activity tracking software” that might provide unauthorized access to sensitive information.

SHARED WITH FREE EDITION

All of the antivirus protection offered by Kaspersky Security Cloud Personal Premium is also included in the free version, including the behavior-based System Watcher component.

Kaspersky has historically performed well in tests from major independent testing labs, often receiving high marks across the board. Bitdefender similarly receives strong lab evaluations.

In hands-on malware protection tests, results may vary, but when lab findings differ from hands-on testing, independent labs with their extensive research resources provide valuable perspective. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus has also performed well in malware testing.

Malware detection and defense are important, but it’s preferable to prevent harmful software from ever reaching your machine. Testing this capability involves checking how well a product blocks access to malware-hosting URLs or prevents malware downloads.

Kaspersky’s URL-blocking performance has varied in different tests. McAfee, Sophos Home Premium, and Vipre have achieved strong scores in similar tests.

Phishing websites don’t bother hosting viruses; instead, they simply trick people into revealing their login information. Kaspersky has generally performed well in phishing detection tests.

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, McAfee, Bitdefender, and Norton have all achieved strong phishing detection rates in various tests.

The System Watcher component uses behavior-based detection to identify harmful activity, including ransomware. Even if standard real-time antivirus doesn’t detect a threat, System Watcher may be able to identify it through its behavior.

System Watcher has been effective at detecting file-encrypting ransomware samples. It has also detected the unusual disk-encrypting Petya ransomware, which some competitors’ behavior-based detection systems have missed.

One screen-locker sample did succeed in locking down my test PC, but it was defeated when I entered the Kaspersky lock-breaker key combination. Even when your PC’s interface is locked, as it was in this case, you can trigger Kaspersky to act by typing this programmable key combination.

You can choose Rescue Disk, a complete ISO image that you burn to a CD or DVD, from the More Tools menu. Windows-based malware cannot withstand booting from the rescue disk’s alternative operating system.

Notably, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus facilitates the procedure even more. Just choose Rescue Environment, then restart. Neither a USB nor a disk need to be prepared.

ALTERNATIVE SHARED FEATURES

A bandwidth-limited version of Kaspersky Secure Connection VPN is included with Kaspersky products. A premium edition removes the bandwidth restriction and provides access to additional services.

The comparable VPN feature from Bitdefender can only be purchased in a bundle with another Bitdefender product. Both Kaspersky and Bitdefender use Hotspot Shield for their VPN technology.

The installer can also install Kaspersky Password Manager. After a brief trial period, this product reverts to its limited free state, which can store only 15 entries (passwords, personal data, or notes).

Both solutions come with a number of non-security-related scans. The decreasing Internet Explorer browser setup issues are the exclusive focus of the Browser Configuration Check.

With its advice broken down into strongly suggested activities, recommended actions, and further actions, Privacy Cleaner removes any traces of your browsing and computer use that might be revealing to a snoop. Additionally, the Microsoft Windows Troubleshooter looks for modifications to the system configuration that might have been brought on by malware.

The commercial antivirus does not include a quick scan for unnecessary data taking up disk space, but the free edition does. Some of these scans, particularly the Browser Configuration Check, appear to be outdated and could benefit from being modernized and integrated into a single feature.

THE VULNERABILITY SCAN WAS MODIFIED

Since my most recent round of review updates, the vulnerability scan has altered. The free product at the time did not offer vulnerability scanning. In the earlier vulnerability check, Windows had eight vulnerabilities and two programs needed security fixes.

The latter group didn’t involve outdated versions of Windows Defender. Instead, it provided a list of configuration options that might have an impact on security, similar to the Microsoft Windows Troubleshooter.

Both the free and premium products currently include a vulnerability scan. Although the free and premium versions have different appearances, the scan results may be limited, sometimes providing minimal information about detected items.

Products typically use a vulnerability scan to detect apps that may be upgraded to increase total security. Avira Prime’s built-in software updater locates not only available updates but also performs automatic installation.

Avast Premium Security also fits this description. But keep in mind that these two are the top-tier suites in each of their separate product lines. While less expensive products locate the required updates, they do not automate installation.

OUTSTANDING SCORES

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has received strong marks from independent testing labs, and it includes a feature-restricted version of Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection and password management tools.

Without the distraction of all those premium-only features, the basic antivirus technology is the same as that of Kaspersky Security Cloud Free. Additionally, the subscription edition’s direct tech help through phone or live chat feature can come in very handy.

The lab tests consistently rank Bitdefender Antivirus Plus as highly as Kaspersky, and it includes enough additional helpful security functions to virtually qualify as a suite. With the use of a journal-and-rollback system and behavioral detection, Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus can repair the harm caused by malware, including ransomware.

McAfee AntiVirus Plus allows you to protect multiple devices in your home. These products represent some of the well-regarded antivirus options available. Note that Kaspersky is no longer available to US customers.

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CONCLUSION

Kaspersky Anti-Virus has historically received strong scores from independent testing labs and has performed well in ransomware prevention tests. However, US readers should note that Kaspersky products are no longer available or supported in the United States.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaspersky_Anti-Virus

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