Kaspersky Lab releases free antivirus software

Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky Lab has released a free version of its antivirus software. Called the Kaspersky Free, the software provides the core essentials, including email and desktop antivirus protection, the ability to quarantine infected files, as well as automated updates. The antivirus would be officially launched on July 25th- that's 20th birthday of Kaspersky.

Eugene Kaspersky, founder of Kaspersky Labs said in a blog post that they have been working on it for a good year and a half, and the software would roll out globally over the next few months. He further said that the free version was not intended to replace the paid versions of its antivirus software, describing it as offering "the bare essentials," such as email and web antivirus protection and automatic updates.

The free version lacks some of the premium features which users can purchase for $50 annually per device, including virtual private network (VPN), parental controls and extra protection for online financial transactions. The company claims that its free software option is light on ads, though users may be paying for the uncluttered interface by providing user data to Kaspersky.

Kaspersky Free is currently available in the US and Canada with plans for global rollout over the next four months.