Kaspersky, as we reported in a previous post, has asked Russia and the European Union to investigate Microsoft’s practices in Windows 10 that encourage (and sometimes force) users to replace third-party antivirus with Windows Defender. It seems that the Russian company has managed to mobilize other security product companies from around the world.
Kaspersky reported in an article published last week that many other security companies believe Microsoft is using dirty tricks to push users to Windows Defender software, but no one has reported anything so far.
According to SecurityWeek, several companies have already expressed their support for Kaspersky. These include Panda Labs, F-Secure, and Avira. All of them believe that Microsoft is trying to undermine third-party security companies, and some admit that Redmond should change its antivirus policy in Windows 10.
Luis Corrons, Technical Director at Panda Labs, explains that several European security companies have the same concerns about Microsoft encouraging users to use Windows Defender, stating that they will support Kaspersky.
F-Secure CTO Mika Stahlberg takes a more conservative approach, stating that the current practice used by Microsoft “does not allow for the best protection for the end user,” while Avira CEO Travis Witteveen said: “Eugene, you are right to be upset.”
Microsoft, on the other hand, does not seem to be worried at all, stating that it is always open to communication with Russian authorities and that it always wishes to comply with local laws. At the same time, the company claims that it is not aware of the investigation launched by the Russian government, explaining that “we will look into this once we receive any official notification.”
The European Commission has not yet confirmed that it is investigating the case.
