Browser Extension In Kaspersky Free

[Thoughts]

In the Getting started section for the new Kaspersky Free 21.5, it states - In order for Kaspersky Free to fully support browsers, the Kaspersky Protection extension has to be installed and enabled in browsers. Kaspersky Free uses the Kaspersky Protection extension to inject a script into traffic. 

The final sentence in this same paragraph states - Kaspersky Free can embed the script without using the Kaspersky Protection extension.

This last sentence seems to conflict with the first sentence.

In regard to browser protection, does Kaspersky Free now require the installation of the browser extension?

Or is it the same as Security Cloud Free where the extension was NOT required?

The on-screen keyboard still appears without the extension, so my question is. 

What function(s) does the browser extension perform when used exclusively with Kaspersky Free?

Thank you in advance for any help

Edited March 31, 2022 by Thoughts

[Schulte]

Hello @Thoughts,

the extension does not inject the script but evaluates it. The injection is done by the main program.

The extension enhances the information that Web-AV or Anti-Banner generate. So for example the shields of the URL-Advisor, advanced information when a page is blocked.
For some functions, such as Anti-Banner, the handling is made easier, and the extension could also play a role in Safe Money.
The main program is responsible for the protection itself. It scans the content at the data stream level.

[Thoughts]

Hello Schulte 

Thank you for your reply.

As Safe Money and Anti Banner are not features within Kaspersky Free, is the browser extension still required if the URL advisor is also not being used (using unsupported search engines)?

You seem to be implying that malicious websites could evade Kaspersky's detection, simply by the extension not being installed, is that correct?

Kaspersky Free, or least the explanation of it, seems to be different from Security Cloud Free which was the extension adds the on-screen keyboard but provides no protective function. Is Kaspersky Free now different in this regard? 

Thanks again.

Edited March 31, 2022 by Thoughts

[Schulte]

Hi @Thoughts,

I haven't dealt with this version yet, but I can't imagine that there are big changes in the extension.

The protection is guaranteed even without it, there are browsers for which no extension is available. Nevertheless, malicious sites are blocked and scripts are analyzed. An extension in the browser can't do that.

[Thoughts]

Hello Schulte

A splendid explanation! 

As a bit of feedback for Kaspersky, it could be helpful re-writing the opening part of their Getting Started section. Something to the effect - Malicious sites are blocked and scripts are analyzed by the central AV. Installation of the browser extension is recommended to ensure complete functionality of Kaspersky Free's URL advisor. 

Thank you once again for your time.