Best Buy has stopped selling Kaspersky Lab's antivirus security software, and the retail giant's Geek Squad team is ready to assist existing customers with free migrations to alternative security platforms over the next 45 days. The free offer includes existing Kaspersky subscriptions purchased from Best Buy.
Best Buy's decision is a potential financial and perception blow for Kaspersky, which has been building an MSP channel in recent years. The U.S. government alleges that Kaspersky Lab has ties to Russia's government. The software company has repeatedly denied the claims, and has also offered to show U.S. officials the security company's source code.
Although Best Buy has not conducted its own investigation, the retailer "felt there were too many unanswered questions and so has decided to discontinue selling the products," according to The Star Tribune.
Kaspersky Lab offered this statement about Best Buy's decision:
"Kaspersky Lab and Best Buy have suspended their relationship at this time; however, the relationship may be re-evaluated in the future. Kaspersky Lab has enjoyed an almost decade-ling partnership with Best Buy and its customer base, and the company will continue to offer its industry-leading cybersecurity solutions to consumers through its website and other retailers."
Best Buy Offers Kaspersky Lab Alternatives
Customers who purchased Kaspersky's software from the retailer have 45 days to exchange their active subscriptions to another product for free. Best Buy's Geek Squad arm is available to assist with the migration within that 45-day window, the retailer has confirmed.
Best Buy did not specifically mention which third-party security software will be offered as a replacement. The company's online store currently sells security software from AVG (now owned by Avast), ESET, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Trend Micro and Webroot.
Some software companies are standing by Kaspersky Lab. The company's defenders include Kaseya, the MSP software company.
