You are currently viewing US Expected to Ban Kaspersky Antivirus Software Over Russian Ties – PCMag

US Expected to Ban Kaspersky Antivirus Software Over Russian Ties – PCMag


President Biden’s administration is expected to announce a ban on the sale of Kaspersky software in the US due to concerns around the company’s perceived ties to the Russian government, Reuters reports Thursday, citing a source familiar with the matter. The US will also establish trade restrictions around Kaspersky Lab, according to two other sources who spoke with the outlet.

Any products that use Kaspersky software under a third-party white label will also be restricted, per the report. The third-party companies will be notified in advance.

US critical infrastructure providers as well as some state and local governments use Kaspersky’s software, the sources note, arguing that it could pose security concerns because they believe Kaspersky is closely connected to the Russian government.

Kaspersky Lab, however, has repeatedly denied any collaboration with the Russian government, WSJ has reported. “Kaspersky has no political ties to any government,” PCMag’s Kaspersky contact said in 2022.

Regardless, US officials have had concerns with Kaspersky for years. Nine years ago, Russian hackers used Kaspersky software to access an NSA contractor’s computer, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. In 2017, a US official told the outlet that they were certain Kaspersky Lab was aware of the software’s ability to help the attackers gain access to sensitive information about US federal operations.

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After Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, US officials deliberated sanctioning Kaspersky while the FCC said it posed a national security risk. The action was put on hold. Over a year later, Biden’s administration once again considered banning or otherwise restricting US use of the software. Last year, Canada banned Kaspersky apps on government devices, citing “an unacceptable level of risk.”

PCMag has reached out to Kaspersky and the Department of Commerce for comment.

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