Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool is a free Windows utility for protecting desktops, laptops, and servers from ransomware and cryptolocker threats. Cloud-assisted behavior detection identifies and blocks ransomware and crypto-malware, while automatic file scanning and monitoring looks for threats to neutralize. The tool can also detect and block adware, pornware, riskware, and crypto-mining software. Its layered protection is designed to cover threats from delivery through execution. Kaspersky says the lightweight utility works alongside most current cybersecurity solutions. The Home plan is free for up to five devices per account; the Business plan is free for up to 50 devices and includes email reporting. Supported systems are Windows 7–11 and Windows Server 2008 R2–2022. Requirements include a 1 GHz Intel Pentium III or compatible CPU, 350 MB of disk space, an internet connection for updates, and 1 GB memory for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit systems. Kaspersky describes the product as GDPR ready. Installing it alongside Kaspersky paid endpoint products is prevented to avoid application overhead.
Who it is for
This tool suits Windows users seeking a free layer of ransomware protection for desktops, laptops, or servers. The Home plan covers up to five devices per account; the Business plan covers up to 50 and includes email reporting.
What is good
- Free Home plan covers up to five devices per account.
- Free Business plan covers up to 50 devices.
- Uses cloud-assisted behavior detection.
- Also detects adware, pornware, riskware, and crypto-mining software.
- Supports Windows 7–11 and Windows Server 2008 R2–2022.
What to know first
- Available for Windows only.
- Requires an internet connection for updates.
- Cannot be installed alongside Kaspersky paid endpoint products.
Verdict
Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool adds ransomware detection and file monitoring on supported Windows systems, at no charge. Confirm the system requirements and check whether a Kaspersky paid endpoint product is already installed.
Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ransomware protection software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rollback or recovery
- Yes
- Behavioral detection
- Yes
- Deployment
- on_premises
- Operating system coverage
- windows
