Harmony Endpoint - Kaspersky-free client version available!

[Danny]

In these Times Of Cyber Uncertainty many security agency and .gov's recommend to avoid using Kaspersky products.

Examples:

• USA
  • CISA Directive 17-01-Removal of Kaspersky products (September 13, 2017)
  • FCC supply chain exclusion (March 25, 2022)
• Germany
  • BSI warns of using Kaspersky products (March 15, 2022) -> PDF
• France
  • CERT-FR warns of using Kaspersky products (March 7, 2022)

Check Point offers a Harmony Endpoint client that does not include Kaspersky code.

Check Point's statement on Kaspersky

sk178309 - Switching to a non-Kaspersky anti-virus in Check Point Harmony Endpoint
sk173243 - How to change to a new Endpoint Security Client DHS-Compliant Anti-Malware engine
sk178413 - R80.40 Anti-Malware with a Non-Kaspersky Engine

Additional read:

sk118539 - How to disable and remove Kaspersky Lab components from Check Point Security Gateway

Some versions of Check Point Harmony Endpoint for Windows OS embed a 3rd-party code from Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus.

Verify if Kaspersky is in use:

   1. Open Task Manager.
   2. Check if Check Point Endpoint Security Anti-Malware is running. -> Yes? -> Kaspersky engine is in use.

Recommendation: Kaspersky products can be safely replaced with Check Point Harmony Endpoint Security.

Thanks, Check Point!

[mombro]

Appreciate the info, thanks.

[Dennis_M]

Thank you for the info!

[Ruan_Kotze]

Kicked off a PoC on Friday with the requirement to not use Kaspersky bits.  Logged a ticket with TAC and had the updated 86.25 bits in less than an hour.

[Stephen_Vella]

So solution is just to upgrade client package to E86.25 ? As TAC response is very slow in our region.

[Chris_Atkinson]

Unfortunately no, there is a specific package needed from TAC.

[TP_Master]

Hi,

The need for TAC ticket involvement will be changed shortly (few days, depending on your deployment) but in any case if you get slow response to this please send me DM I will help. 

[Stephen_Vella]

Is Harmony Email & Collaboration using Kaspersky as well ? something we need to change from our end, or Check Point is updating the SaaS service in the background ?

[TP_Master]

Hi,

No, Harmony Email & Collab. Does not use Kaspersky at all. 

[secronis]

Will Check Point keep the Kaspersky engine for those who want it?

[_Val_]

It is your choice. 

We only use Kaspersky SDK in EPS, and we consider it being safe for our customers. However, if you do want K-free version, it is also available for you.