Kaspersky Lab Presents Latest Versions of Its Flagship Consumer Security Solutions with Enhanced Data Protection Features

WOBURN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Kaspersky Lab today announced the release of the latest versions of its flagship security solutions – Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security – which include several new functions for ensuring data protection and maintaining device updates. The latest solutions continue to protect consumers across Windows, Mac and Android devices against dangerous websites, online tracking, money theft and the latest cyber threats, such as ransomware.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727005094/en/

Ransomware, a form of malware that locks or encrypts the data stored on devices and then demands a fee to unlock it, is a growing global epidemic that is increasingly targeting consumers on both computers and mobile devices. For example, in the first three months of 2016, Kaspersky Lab blocked 372,602 ransomware attacks worldwide. The Company also found in a recent report that the number of users attacked by ransomware targeting Android-based devices increased four-fold in just one year, hitting over 136,000 users globally. Despite these drastic figures, nearly half (43 percent) of connected consumers today do not know what ransomware is or know what data or information could be stolen in a ransomware attack (44 percent).

"This year, ransomware is an epidemic that consumers need to be protected against, whether they realize it or not," said Justin Priestley, head of consumer sales North America, Kaspersky Lab. "We understand that need, as well as the others that the modern consumer faces in their daily internet activities. In addition to providing protection through our award-winning, advanced technologies, we've developed user-friendly features like Software Cleaner to make it easier for our customers to manage what's happening on their devices."

Now users can protect their data from being intercepted during an unsafe internet connection with the help of Secure Connection. In addition, they can patch potential "holes" in their device security with Software Updater and Software Cleaner.

Secure Connection

Secure Connection allows users to connect to the internet safely, by encrypting all data sent and received through the network¹. This is especially important when performing financial operations, authorization on sites, or transferring confidential information, because in these cases traffic interception by a stranger could cause users serious (for example, financial) losses.

This function is especially useful while traveling, as many people are increasingly connecting to unsecure Wi-Fi networks to stay in touch on-the-go. According to the Kaspersky Lab International Travel Report, 18 percent of participants had fallen victim to cybercrime when traveling, and the same amount of respondents admitted that they do not take any steps to protect themselves online.

The Kaspersky Lab protection component, Secure Connection, can be launched from the main window of Kaspersky Internet Security or Kaspersky Total Security. It can also be activated automatically when the device is connected to public Wi-Fi, or when the user is inputting confidential information online, such as on banking websites, online stores, payment systems, email, social networks, etc.

Within the security product's license, users have 200 MB of encrypted traffic at their daily disposal, and for an additional monthly or annual fee, they can get an unlimited volume of traffic.

Software Updater

A common method of malware penetrating the computer is through the exploitation of vulnerabilities in the programs installed on it. Developers regularly update their products; however, not all users regularly update these on their devices. Software Updater can automatically find the applications that need to be updated, and if the user agrees, install the latest versions from vendor sites on their computer. The user can also request the update of an application manually or add any of them to the list of applications that should not be updated (for example, if the older version is required).

Software Cleaner

Many consumers store programs that they do not use on their devices, which can overload the device memory and also provide opportunities for cybercriminals to penetrate the system. Moreover, consumers sometimes do not even know about these applications being installed on their devices or are unaware of the potential negative effects. The Software Cleaner feature scans all applications installed on the computer and marks those posing a potential risk.

Software Cleaner can inform users of unique behaviors of a program, such as if it has been installed without their awareness or permission. In addition, it can monitor for programs that slow down the user's device, provide incomplete/incorrect information about its functions, operate in the background mode, show banners and messages without permission (e.g., advertising), or are rarely used. Upon receipt of a report from Software Cleaner, the user can either remove or leave the application in question.

In addition to the new functions, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security have been enhanced with improved advanced technologies such as the multi-level protection of financial transactions (with Safe Money), the prevention of the installation of unwanted applications (with Application Manager) and the blocking of advertising banners in the browser (with Privacy Browsing).

Kaspersky Total Security, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Anti-Virus are available for purchase now on Kaspersky Lab's online store and wherever software is sold in the U.S. and Canada. Launch pricing for a standard subscription – 3-user licenses for a 1-year period – is $49.99 for Kaspersky Internet Security, regularly $79.99, and $39.99 for Kaspersky Anti-Virus, regularly $59.99. A 5-user license for a 1-year period of Kaspersky Total Security is now $59.99, which is regularly valued at $99.99.

About Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Lab is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997. Kaspersky Lab's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky Lab technologies and we help 270,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

For the latest in-depth information on security threat issues and trends, please visit:

Securelist | Information about Viruses, Hackers and Spam
Follow @Securelist on Twitter

Threatpost | The First Stop for Security News
Follow @Threatpost on Twitter

¹ This is implemented via Virtual Private Network technology.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727005094/en/