Play Store started removing Kaspersky from its application, following Google’s order to remove and disable the Russian firm’s developer account.
Users first noticed this latest development in the cybersecurity landscape last weekend. Several users reported that Kaspersky’s products on Play Store, such as its Endpoint Security and VPN & Antivirus, no longer appear on the widely used app store.
In addition, the removal was not exclusively for Google Play users in the United States, as some users from other countries have also reported that they cannot find the application on the store.
Kaspersky confirmed its removal on Play Store.
On the same weekend, Kaspersky admitted on its forums that the issue on Google Play Store is factual after disclosing that it is investigating why its software is no longer available. The company’s downloads and updates for its products are also inaccessible.
The company is researching the circumstances behind the issue and investigating potential solutions to ensure that customers of its products can continue to download and update their programs from Google Play.
However, they recommend that users download their products from other shops, such as Huawei AppGallery, Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, while their applications are unavailable on Google.
In addition, the firm’s security apps can also be installed by downloading the apk files from their website. This help page contains more information on installing and activating Kaspersky software for Android smartphones.
This removal of the application comes after the company revealed in July that it would close its operations in the United States after the US government sanctioned the company and 12 executives and banned Kaspersky antivirus software in June due to national security concerns.
On the other hand, Google stated that the sanctions and banning prompted them to remove Kaspersky and its product line from the Google Play store. This incident is also connected to last month’s removal of the Russian multinational cybersecurity company’s anti-malware software from clients’ PCs in the United States and replaced it with another solution without alerting or obtaining permission.
Users who still use the firm’s products should be cautious about downloading or updating its products online. Verify the app related to the product before downloading it, as threat actors might exploit this event to execute an impersonation campaign.
